207. When Asking for Help is Actually a Strength with Dr. Khalilah Doss

207. When Asking for Help is Actually a Strength with Dr. Khalilah Doss

From The Back to Me Podcast by Yoli Tamu

March 18, 2026 · 23 min · Episode 207

About this episode

Dr. Khalilah Doss discusses the importance of asking for help and heart-led leadership in education.

Our ‘Women Leading with Heart’ series for Women's History Month continues with Dr. Khalilah Doss, the Vice President for Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment Management at California State University, Fullerton. This first-generation Jamaican track scholar became an educational trailblazer who simply wanted to “be who I needed.” Dr. Doss shares why seeing the humanity in students—as someone’s children—guides every decision she makes. She models heart-led leadership and relationship-building with a deep commitment to ensuring students never feel like a bother—only seen, valued, and supported. Find out why asking for help, admitting “I don’t know,” and understanding that seeking support is actually a strength, not a weakness. ⁠ Dr. Doss completed her Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Higher Education at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and she received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics, Finance and Marketing at McKendree University. She has been in the field of student affairs for over 20 years and most recently served as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). In this capacity…

People in this episode

Host: Yoli Tamu

Guest: Dr. Khalilah Doss

Topics covered

  • leadership
  • education
  • support
  • women empowerment
  • student affairs

Keywords

  • help
  • strength
  • leadership
  • students
  • support
  • diversity
  • inclusion

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: California State University, Fullerton, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, McKendree University, Middle Tennessee State University

Places: Jamaica

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