Dr. Jennifer L. Brown

Coach Overview:

Dr. Jennifer Brown is a distinguished higher education leader, administrator, and coach with over two decades of experience spanning multiple prestigious institutions. Her career encompasses roles as a professor, senior administrator, and executive leader, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of academic and administrative functions within higher education.

She brings a unique blend of academic leadership and professional coaching expertise. Her coaching experience spans diverse clients in international settings, demonstrating her ability to guide professionals across cultural and geographical boundaries effectively.

Dr. Brown’s administrative expertise is evidenced by her roles as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Cal Poly Pomona, where she oversaw nine academic colleges with 400 staff members and managed a budget exceeding $126 million. Before this, she served as Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education at the University of California, Riverside, a key campus leadership role promoting student success and academic excellence. In this capacity, she oversaw initiatives enhancing the undergraduate experience, including academic programs, student success programs, and integrated learning programs. Dr. Brown collaborated with UCR’s 3 colleges and 4 schools, including the School of Medicine, on student and faculty success initiatives. She also held the position of Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School at Oregon State University, where Dr. Brown led the university’s graduate agenda, co-led the bargaining process for the university administration, and collaborated with faculty, administrators, academic deans, and graduate students to advance institutional goals. Dr. Brown focused on creating an inclusive and nurturing environment and improving university stakeholder experiences through data-driven strategies while serving as a trusted voice in university-wide administrative discussions.

Dr. Brown is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in higher education administration. She has presented at national conferences, served on the board of UERU (The Association for Undergraduate Education at Research Universities), and shared her insights on inclusive excellence through various platforms. Her leadership approach emphasizes inclusive excellence, strategic planning, and fostering collaborative academic environments. Dr. Brown offers a comprehensive perspective on higher education leadership with experience spanning faculty, administrative, and leadership roles in large, public, research-intensive universities and smaller institutions.

Statement of Coaching Philosophy:

Dr. Brown’s coaching philosophy is rooted in the power of authentic and humanistic connections, fostering both individual and organizational growth. Following the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE) code of ethics, Dr. Brown will always protect the interests and welfare of her clients by following accepted ethical and legal standards while maintaining high standards of integrity and conduct.

She employs a strengths-based, collaborative approach that draws on her extensive leadership experience and deep understanding of the challenges mid to senior-level administrators face across various sectors. Central to her methodology is the belief in transformational leadership and the potential of every leader to inspire change. She advocates for an adaptive, emotionally intelligent leadership style grounded in ethical decision-making and continuous learning.

Dr. Brown is passionate about equipping leaders with the skills to navigate complex roles effectively, integrating strategic thinking and emotional intelligence into her coaching. Emphasizing self-awareness and reflective practice, she guides clients to develop authentic leadership styles aligned with their values and strengths. Dr. Brown aims to empower leaders to excel in their roles and contribute positively to their organizations and communities through her work with NorthStar Consulting Solutions. Her ultimate goal is to inspire a wave of change beyond individual institutions, leaving a legacy of leaders capable of driving transformative change and fostering cultures of excellence and innovation in their respective fields.