Erin Hynes | Editor
July 19, 2023
For the third installment of the 2023 convocation speakers, GSP Murray State welcomed Dr. OJ Oleka. Oleka is currently the President of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU) where he advocates for increased access to affordable higher education in Kentucky’s independent colleges. Oleka is focused on addressing generational poverty and affordable higher education through his advocacy work.
Oleka began his speech by sharing his personal experience as a first generation immigrant in America, and how his background has shaped his views on the importance of family. Oleka mentioned that, “How I identify everyday is as a dad.” To him, his most important title is tied to his family, not to the academic or work force based titles.
Oleka went on to share with scholars the four P’s: power, pain, promise and purpose and how a leader can utilize all four of these ideas. Oleka talked about one’s ability to make positive changes when in a position of power. Oleka said, “ What is power if you keep it all to yourself?” He connected with scholars sharing that as we enter our senior year, we must use our position to help the school as a whole.
Later in his speech Oleka mentioned that pain can be described as the absence of power. In his own speech he shared his personal experiences with pain, such as stories his dad shared with him as a kid and the influence a former student of his had on him. Oleka told scholars that pain can be a tool to help leaders better empathize with others, which can make them a better leader.
Being a good leader is more than empathizing with others and having power, but also working towards a promise. Oleka is focused on making college as affordable as possible for all students. That is a promise he has, and his actions reflect that promise as he works to make college affordable for more students.
Following his speech, Oleka continued to share advice as scholars asked questions. He gave insight on how to spark motivation in others, how to go back and help a community in need, how his background has impacted him and how he has used his faith in decision making.
His idea of the power, pain, promise and purpose helps scholars understand their role as leaders in their own community. As scholars return home next week, Oleka’s advice can lead scholars to take new steps in their community to make a positive change.
