Dr. Jill Arensdorf - A Good Challenge for Me

Phronesis: Practical Wisdom for Leaders with Scott Allen

Aug 9 2022 • 37 mins

Dr. Jill Arensdorf is a professor in the Department of Leadership Studies at Fort Hays State University (FHSU), and currently serves as the FHSU Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs.  Before serving as Provost, she chaired the Department of Leadership Studies for eight years.  Her research interests include civic engagement and leadership, leadership behavior and skill development, and the transfer of learning. She has published numerous articles on the effects of service learning on the development of leadership skills, as well as the transfer of leadership skills to the workplace.  She has been active in civic engagement efforts at FHSU, co-writing FHSU’s Civic Investment Plan, and co-coordinated a freshman learning community at FHSU, L3-Live. Learn. Lead. for nine years. Dr. Arensdorf has received both the prestigious Navigator and Pilot Awards at FHSU for her exceptional advising and teaching.  She completed her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at Kansas State University.

Dr. Arensdorf is extremely passionate about teaching and participating in leadership.  Before her work at FHSU, she worked as a 4-H/Youth Extension Agent with K-State Research and Extension.  Jill is originally from Hill City, KS.  She and her husband Mike currently reside in Hays, KS.  Dr. Arensdorf's interests include spending time with her family, music, golfing, reading, cooking, and water skiing.


Two Quotes From This Episode

  • "I've really had to challenge myself to see the forest and not get mired in the trees where I'm more comfortable...that's been a really good challenge for me."
  • "When it comes to doing (leadership)...my goodness! It's full of all these complexities, nuances, and critical thinking."


Resources Mentioned in This Episode


About The International Leadership Association (ILA)

  • The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in the study, practice, and teaching of leadership. Plan for ILA's 24th Global Conference online on October 6 & 7, 2022, and/or onsite in Washington, D.C., October 13-16, 2022. Register for the 24th Global Conference here!


My Approach to Hosting

  • The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are important views to be aware of. Nothing can replace your own research and exploration.


Connect with Scott Allen