Lives Well Led: Reflections From Leaders Bridging Campus and System Leadership

At the 2026 UCR Staff Conference Together We Rise, seasoned higher education leaders Charron Andrus and Dennis McIver will share thoughtful reflections drawn from their extensive experience within the University of California system. Charron brings over a decade of higher education leadership advocating for diversity, inclusion, and meaningful community-oriented engagement across campuses, and serves as a senior information security leader while empowering diverse professionals across the academy. Dennis brings more than 15 years of higher education experience, including leadership in staff advocacy, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and has led initiatives that connect and empower staff across UC campuses. In this roundtable, they will offer candid insights into leadership and personal growth — from navigating challenges and building community to leveraging leadership roles as pathways for intentional development. Their stories are intended to inspire and equip staff considering leadership roles or seeking to deepen their impact within higher education, in alignment with the conference theme of rising together