Darryl Lovett

Higher education often tells emerging professionals to network, find mentors, and put themselves out there. But what happens when they do, and nobody answers? Reflecting on his own journey of trying to find his way into the profession, Darryl Lovett explores the hidden barriers to access, the talented people we may be overlooking, and the responsibility we have to become bridges for those still trying to find their way.

Employee experience isn't shaped primarily by wellness programs or occasional initiatives. It's shaped every day by the systems people work within, the way decisions are made, expectations are communicated, workloads are designed, and priorities are managed. This article explores why sustainable workplaces require intentional organizational design, not simply more programs, and what that means for leaders committed to creating healthier employee experiences.

We often talk about culture, engagement, and staff experience as organizational priorities. But culture does not change on its own. In Part 2 of this series, I examine what centering the student affairs workforce demands of leaders and how our daily decisions ultimately shape the environments people experience.