Spotlight on Olga M. Welch
EdD, Educational Administration and Supervision
Class of 1977
Olga M. Welch is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Howard University and EdD graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. After time as a Professor in the College of Education at UT, Dr. Welch accepted a position at Duquesne University where she went on to spend over a decade as Dean in the Duquesne University School of Education.
In an article co-authored with University of Tennessee Vice-Provost Emerita Carolyn Hodges, Welch remarks on the importance of balance in leadership: “Learning how to lead is also about learning how to balance the need for action with deliberative and deliberate approaches.”
“The real challenge for a new leader is to learn your context and not assume what worked in another context will work in a new one.”
Author several publications, chapters, and books, most recently in 2011 the released of Turnaround Leadership: Deans of Color as Change Agents that focuses attention on deans as agents of change by presenting case studies of six deans of color. This volume’s emphasis on how particular leaders thought about and implemented change initiatives reflects Dr. Welch’s commitment to engaging in critical problem-solving as leaders.
For more on Dr. Olga M. Welch:
- 2016 Feature Article & Recording on Dr. Welch’s career as Duquesne University School of Education
- 2018 Inside Higher Ed opinion piece, “African American deans share lessons in leadership,” co-authored with Vice-Provost Emerita Carolyn Hodges
About the Series
The ELPS Where are They Now? series inspires current and future students by spotlighting the career paths and accomplishments of graduates from the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Continue your own leadership journey and learn more about our programs today.