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Discover how purpose-driven leadership—rooted in clarity, care, and strategy—can strengthen teams, align culture, and drive results across higher ed.
Dr. Antonio McLaren brings a rare perspective— one shaped by years of cross-sector work in government, philanthropy, and education, combined with deep, ongoing conversations with institutional leaders across the country. His leadership style is quiet, consistent, and grounded in service—but the insights he brings are bold.
In this Beyond Titles Fireside Chat, BetterMynd CEO & Co Founder Cody Semrau invites Antonio to share what he’s seeing across leadership cultures, student needs, and systems—and how values-driven leadership can drive progress without burnout.
This is a conversation for leaders who’ve been in the work—and those new to their roles—each navigating complexity while seeking clarity, sustainability, and deeper strategy for what comes next.
Free registration | Designed for Provosts, VPSAs, Deans & Student Success Leaders
Seats are limited, so secure your spot!
What You’ll Walk Away With:
Actionable strategies for leading with clarity, building partnerships, and sustaining well-being in complex times.
Grounded Leadership in Action:
Learn how Antonio McLaren leads with clarity, alignment, and quiet consistency—building morale and moving strategy forward even without a formal spotlight.
Vision-Driven Strategy:
Explore how purpose-centered leadership translates into real outcomes—from student pipelines to institutional advancement—especially within resource-constrained environments.
Partnership as a Pathway:
Gain insight into how cross-sector partnerships—from federal to philanthropic—can strengthen institutional capacity and expand student access.
Sustainable Leadership & Well-Being:
Hear how Antonio sustains his leadership energy while navigating complex systems, and what it means to lead with integrity, calm, and care in times of uncertainty.
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Dr. Antonio McLaren
Vice President for Program Innovation and Implementation, 1890 Universities Foundation
Antonio McLaren, Ed.D., brings more than two decades of experience at the intersection of federal service, higher education, and public-private partnership. As Vice President for Program Innovation and Implementation at the 1890 Foundation, he leads high-impact initiatives across the 19 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities—advancing institutional capacity, student access, and workforce readiness in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Dr. McLaren’s career has been shaped by his deep commitment to service, strategy, and sustainability. Prior to his role at the Foundation, he served as a National Program Leader at USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), overseeing a $180 million portfolio supporting 1890 institutions. A proud USDA/1890 National Scholar and Virginia State University graduate, Dr. McLaren has spent his career creating purpose-driven partnerships and building pathways for the next generation of leaders.
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Cody Semrau
CEO & Founder, BetterMynd
Cody founded BetterMynd after experiencing mental health challenges as an undergraduate at Colgate University. During his senior year, he reached a crisis point and sought help at the on-campus counseling center, a decision that likely saved his life and changed it profoundly.
Recognizing the difficulty college students face in accessing confidential and timely mental health support, Cody launched BetterMynd in 2017 with a mission to make mental health services more accessible through online therapy. Today, BetterMynd partners with over 150 colleges and universities across the U.S., providing support through a national network of over 400 licensed counselors via a secure, HIPAA-compliant online platform, helping thousands of students get the care they need.
About Beyond Titles: Real Leaders, Real Stories
