Deputy Chancellor, Dr. Randy Goin Jr. Office of the Chancellor
Deputy Chancellor

Dr. Randy Goin Jr.

Dr. Randy Goin Jr. works with university, government, and business leaders to advance the mission of the State System, which is undertaking an intensive redesign process. He is a senior advisor to the Chancellor and Board of Governors and provides guidance to the public affairs unit, which includes strategic relations, communications, governmental relations, and media relations. Prior to moving to Pennsylvania, Dr. Goin served as Chief of Staff for Florida’s university system and led its public affairs team. During that time, the university system significantly enhanced its relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and instituted a new strategic plan and accountability model that has led to improved performance systemwide.

Dr. Goin’s career began in the private sector as a designer and editor, and he later moved into communications and management roles in higher education. He served as associate vice president for communications and marketing at Florida Atlantic University before being named as the university’s chief of staff. A native of Ohio, Dr. Goin grew up in Texas and then Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Arts from FAU; he earned a Ph.D. in media and communication from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Why did you pursue a career in higher education?

Some of the best decisions in life are unplanned. More than two decades ago, an opportunity presented itself to work for my alma mater—helping the university with communications, development, and marketing efforts. Having done similar work in the private sector, I soon found there was something very special about being an advocate for a place that so profoundly impacted my own life. It was a deeply personal experience, and I didn’t realize it at the time how much it would change the trajectory of my career. Over time, my responsibilities and roles expanded beyond public affairs to include policy leadership, which sharpened my understanding for why we must do all we can to remove any barriers that stand in a person’s path to achieving their higher education goals.

What first sparked your interest in public affairs?

As far back as high school, I can recall having a deep interest in being able to tell a story and convey a message through words and images. Whether editing the student newspaper and yearbook or—later—working as a professional editor and graphic designer, it was always very satisfying to have an idea and see it materialize in print or some other medium. Today, I am honored to work with a team of talented communicators who help advance the cause of public higher education at a time when it matters most.

Years of work in higher education later, what keeps you motivated?

It may seem a bit sentimental, but the recent births of my son and daughter have given me new insights into why it is vital that every young person—no matter their background—have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. And if that includes obtaining a college degree, I want to do everything possible to make that happen. As a first-generation college student myself, I know personally how higher education can open doors of opportunity in places where I didn't even know such doors existed. It is that powerful.

What are your top priorities as deputy chancellor?

My role is to be a “force multiplier” for the chancellor and the Board of Governors, advancing the priorities of the State System whenever and wherever it is needed. Right now, we are focused on System Redesign—transforming our universities and the system to be more collaborative and to better meet the needs of Pennsylvania. It’s an exciting time to be part of the State System and to have a hand in shaping its future, knowing what a powerful force it is for so many students and for so many communities across PA.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

My wife and I love to travel, experience great food, and spend time with family, including our two toddlers (which of course inhibits our travel and food explorations a bit). With her family in Arizona and my family in Florida, we do spend our share of time in airports. In addition to that, I have a lifelong love of architecture, design, and photography.

Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Dr. Denise Pearson
Vice Chancellor, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

Dr. Denise Pearson joined the State System in August 2020 with three decades of experience in the classroom and as campus leader, including having served as assistant provost of faculty affairs and then interim dean/senior associate dean of the School of Education and Human Performance at Winston-Salem State University and associate academic dean at the University of Denver. She previously served as vice president for academic affairs and equity initiatives at the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO).

Dr. Pearson earned her Ph.D. in administration and supervision of education from Marquette University and master's degrees in conflict resolution from the University of Denver and educational administration from Concordia University. Her undergraduate studies were at the State University of New York at Delhi and Pace University.

Here is a list of readings that were useful over the many months I collaborated with campus leaders to develop the systemwide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Priorities affirmed by the Board of Governors.

Why did you pursue a career in higher education?

I was pursuing a career in human resources management in New York during my early years as a mother in the early 1980s. When my family relocated to Wisconsin in the late 1980s, I accepted an opportunity to teach courses at a local college, in a certificate program for adult learners (I only had an undergraduate degree in Human Services at the time). It wasn't long before I was able to see the impact I could have on students and higher education in general and I never resumed plans to become a HR executive. I went on and completed my M.S., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in Education, Conflict Resolution, and Education Administration & Supervision with an emphasis in higher education. During my career, I have worked at diverse institutional types – including public, private, community college, HBCU, urban, suburban, and faith-based, and taught undergraduate and graduate courses in the fields of education, communication, and conflict resolution. Some of my most rewarding professional experiences have happened in the classroom (including online), especially those when I can help students develop their sense of belonging and contribution to the learning environment. I couldn't imagine a better career choice.

What first sparked your interest in educational equity and policy?

The complexity of the higher education ecosystem, in addition to the clear connection between policy and practice, piqued my interest in educational equity and policy. During my tenure at Winston-Salem State University (one of the University of North Carolina's 16 institutions) I had the opportunity to observe how policy enables practice as well as how practice informs policy – ideally in ways that have positive impacts on student outcomes. When I joined State Higher Education Executive Officers in 2016, I recognized that such synergy could not be assumed and that strategic intentionality was required. Joining SHEEO also gave me unique opportunities to explore and advocate for stronger collaborations between policy makers and institutions of higher education, especially around critical policy areas such as teacher preparation, dual enrollment, and postsecondary education for incarcerated populations. Acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to apply an equity lens to policy and practice discussions has increased my effectiveness to advocate for groups historically excluded from American higher education. I value the effort required for intentional and meaningful deliberations that place equity at the center.

Years of work in higher education later, what keeps you motivated?

I stay motivated because of my unwavering belief in the power of education. The zip code where someone is born should not be the deciding factor on the educational opportunities they are afforded or the heights they can reach in life. I believe in the power of education to improve the human condition, support economic development, increase community and civic engagement, transform lives of incarcerated populations, and disrupt generational poverty. State systems of higher education are uniquely positioned to collaborate with a diversity of stakeholders in search of scalable and sustainable solutions to so many societal problems. I am eager to serve as Vice Chancellor and Chief DE&I Officer in search of solutions to persistent challenges to educational equity. A career in higher education is a privilege that carries tremendous responsibility, which I do not take lightly. Albeit serious, that does not mean the work can't be fun too.

What are your priorities for the first few months of your new job?

My immediate priorities include visiting each campus and meeting leadership, faculty, staff, and students. These visits will be part of my plan to learn about how diversity, equity, and inclusion is positioned on each campus and how we can partner to create and advance a shared DE&I agenda. Essentially, I want to learn how I can support campus leadership in their efforts to foster environments that allow students, faculty, and staff to thrive. The first few months will focus on learning to inform planning.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I am passionate about my health. I made the decision more than a decade ago to consume a plant-based diet and am always looking for ways to expand my knowledge and practice of veganism (although I haven't given up my leather shoes or purses yet). My favorite vegan cuisines are Afro-Cuban, Indian, and Mediterranean. I have three lovely sons who bring me great joy. I also have a 2 ½ year old granddaughter. Family time is precious especially since all my children live in Colorado, and I always look forward to the times we get together. Reading is a way for me to escape and expand my mind. I enjoy reading (Audible included) about a wide range of topics – education, public policy, the environment, culture, health, and even a good love story.