Episode Overview

In this episode of LEAD UNI, host Jesse Heath sits down with Chiquita Loveless, Assistant Dean of Students for Family & Military Programming at the University of Northern Iowa. After serving 23 years in the United States Navy before transitioning to higher education, Chiquita brings a leadership perspective grounded in service, accountability, mentorship, and genuine care for others.

This conversation explores the critical distinction between being a manager and being a leader. Drawing from experiences aboard naval ships and now supporting military-connected students at UNI, Chiquita shares why leadership isn't about authority - it's about preparing people to succeed, earning trust through consistency, and investing in others long after they've left your team.