STLCC Recognizes Four Female Presidents #WHM, Part Four

A Special Series Presented by St. Louis Community College

Female leadership matters. Women are creative, passionate and collaborative. They bring forward solutions that drive change.

Although women are often qualified for leadership roles, they’re still underrepresented at the top level of most organizations. At St. Louis Community College, however, that’s not the case.

All four campus presidents are women: Feleccia Moore-Davis, Ph.D., STLCC-Meramec; Julie Fickas, Ed.D., STLCC-Forest Park; S. Carol Lupardus, Ph.D., STLCC-Wildwood; and Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, Ed.D., STLCC-Florissant Valley.

“We are fortunate to have talented women leading our campuses,” said Andrew Langrehr, Ph.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Each brings unique skills, perspectives and qualities that help advance the mission of the College, and more importantly, help to serve our students. STLCC is a better organization because of their leadership.”

In celebration of Women’s History Month, STLCC is spotlighting the careers of its campus presidents through a series of stories. Read the fourth story below, and check out the other profiles here.

Spotlight on Feleccia Moore-Davis, Ph.D., campus president and chief academic officer, STLCC-Meramec

Felecia Moore-Davis at desk

Feleccia Moore-Davis, Ph.D., joined the College in August 2019. She has more than 20 years of experience in higher education within community collegesfrom teaching to administrative roles..

Prior to STLCC, Moore-Davis served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Tallahassee Community College in Florida. She also served as the dean and vice president for instruction at Lone Star College-CyFair, serving more than 20,000 students in the Houston area.

Moore-Davis earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Xavier University in New Orleans, a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Texas A&M University and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Regent University. Her professional service includes the American Association of Community College Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation, Capitol Center Youth Services and American Council of Education of Women’s Network.

Q&A with Feleccia Moore-Davis, Ph.D.

What woman inspires you and why?

There are so many women who have and do continue to inspire me—from Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, to my very own grandmother and the women with no names who get up every day and do the “damn thang” (Beyonce). In other words, they get up every day facing incredible odds and do it again the next day.

How did you navigate power structures early in your career versus later when you had a more formal leadership role?

Admittedly, I was not very good at this when I started my career journey. I was naïve and really expected people to do the right thing. That didn’t always happen. Strong women mentors got me through those periods of challenge. Now I see things clearer and attempt to effect positive change wherever I can.

How do you balance your career with your personal life and passions? Is there such a thing as balance?

I gave up on balance many years ago. There is a balance one must achieve in their work and family life, but it varies from woman to woman, and it sometimes varies from day to day. Each woman must find the balance that works for them. When you find it, you will have found your peace, contentment and your happiness.

As a leader, how do you stay mindful of who’s at the table and who’s missing?

As a Black woman, and an educator committed to equity, that is always in the forefront. I believe that education “is the greatest weapon we have to change the world” (Nelson Mandela) and we are here to serve those at the table and those who are missing. I work constantly to hear all voices and ensure if and when I am at the table, I take everyone with me.

What advice can you share with women who are on their own leadership journey?

Feleccia Moore-Davis profile Mentoring has been one of the keys to my success. I found women that were able to pour into my life (professionally and personally), and now I pay that forward and serve as a mentor to other women.

What are the ways you stay grounded and take care of yourself?

I must admit, I didn’t always do a good job with this. I always gave 110 percent to my career, but I realized that eventually I had very little left for me. So now I ensure I take care of me – mentally, physically and spiritually. I recommend that women take a “me” day occasionally, pray daily and do something fun whenever you can.

What are three things you’d say to your younger self?

1. Leadership is not about you, leadership is service. Don’t wait for the position, make a difference where you are.

2. There will be unexpected detours, things you won’t see clearly, but still enjoy the ride.

3. Don’t give up, you got this.