Throughout history, women have fought for progress and took great risks in order to improve their lives and others. Flash forward to today. Dr. Shantell Strickland-Davis is not just an experienced and dedicated educator, but also a leader at Central Piedmont marking her spot in history. Shantell joined the college in 2012 and served in many capacities before becoming the executive director of the Parr Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence.

“I would describe myself as a self-starter, left-hand/right-brain, super passionate enthusiast who enjoys most things in life,” Shantell explains. “I come from a happy childhood, with young adult adversities, but have since learned to appreciate the small things, value people, and lead with my beliefs in God, love, and conviction.” 

Her upbringing has undoubtedly influenced how Shantell chooses to live her life. In hard times she leans to one of her favorite scriptures to keep moving forward. It’s “1 Samuel 16:7: God doesn’t see things the way you or others see them. People judge by outward appearance, but God always looks at the heart.”

One nugget of wisdom she imparts to younger women is to understand the simple notion that, “it’s not all about you.” She invites others to open themselves up to the richness you find in service to others. She advises that once she learned this life lesson, “life has taken on new meaning and substance.”

Her passion for improving the lives of faculty and students is evident to anyone who has worked with her. When Shantell speaks, you want to listen. Shantell maintains the philosophy that integrity and honesty are central to living an authentic life. She says, “Yes, I want to be liked and respected, but I will not let that be at the expense of my own emotional, psychological, or personal values. Being transparent is important. ” 

When asked about why it’s important to honor women in the workplace, she shares, “Women are extraordinary. It is important to honor, celebrate, and recognize women for their contributions, especially in the workplace. Honoring women meaningfully starts with understanding who they are at the core, not just what you see on the surface. Once you can see a woman as her whole self, including her unique challenges, you can really begin to appreciate the awesome human she is.”

In addition to the joy she gets from seeing faculty achieve milestones in life, she says it’s Central Piedmont’s values that mean a lot to her.  Shantell shares, “I am excited that Central Piedmont is putting the efforts in making equity a priority across all “-isms,” including sexism. As a marginalized gender, women have been susceptible to systemic practices that advance inequities; bringing forth the value women bring to the workplace and beyond forces us all to acknowledge our worth.”

Viewing the world outside of your own perspective can be a challenge. But Shantell explains, “it’s critical to acknowledge and appreciate others – pay attention, listen, help, support, and care.” This outlook has helped her navigate her career in a way to highlight others who are inspirational and perhaps undervalued or underrepresented.

Shantell also serves on the Academic Affairs Council and helps influence key strategies to get all students and employees on a career and educational pathway that is going to provide the best opportunity for them to reach their goals. Although this work comes along with challenges, she says, “I recognize there will be good times and bad, ups and downs, celebrations and challenges; however, nothing lasts forever. It’s important to live in the moment, embrace the good, and learn from the times that seem to hurt the most.”

Humbled by the opportunity to be selected for the HERstory campaign, Shantell wants the community to know, “Every woman here at the college deserves a bow – thank you for all that you do each day, here, and away. Your strength, compassion, integrity, and support for others don’t go unnoticed or unappreciated!”