I was rejected from a PhD Program the first time. I'm now a leader in academia.

In this inspiring episode of The Bold PhD podcast, host Dr. Gertrude Nonterah speaks with Dr. Juanita Tookes, Assistant Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at the University of Michigan–Flint. Dr. Tookes shares her non-linear journey to becoming a leader in academia, offering both personal insights and practical frameworks for those looking to step into academic leadership.

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From Community Mental Health to Higher Education Leadership

Dr. Tookes began her career in community mental health, serving in nonprofits, child and family service organizations, and schools. Initially imagining a future as a full-time faculty member, she discovered a new passion during her PhD program: addressing the lack of structured academic support for graduate students.

This realization led her to academic advising at Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. There, she saw firsthand that real systemic change required leadership authority. That insight propelled her into higher-level administrative roles, culminating in her current position at the University of Michigan–Flint.

Becoming a Leader in Academia

Dr. Tookes gives advice for becoming a leader in higher education.

Identify the Gaps – Leadership opportunities often arise when you notice unmet needs.
Embrace Career Pivots – A path to leadership is rarely linear; every role can build transferable skills.
Listen to Your Well-Being – Pay attention to signs of burnout like anxiety or physical tension.
Reframe “Sunk Costs” – See past roles as “years of skill-building,” not wasted time.
Overcome Fear of the Unknown – Use networking, LinkedIn outreach, and informational interviews to move forward confidently.

Resilience in the Face of Rejection

Dr. Tookes’ path to becoming a leader in academia included multiple rejections from PhD programs. Instead of seeing them as failures, she reframed them as redirection—reapplying the following year and ultimately earning her doctorate from Oakland University’s Counselor Education and Supervision program.

Her story reminds us that rejection is not the end, but a stepping stone to the right opportunity.

Advice for Aspiring Academic Leaders

Clarify your “why” before chasing titles.
Build a trusted network of mentors and peers.
Research leadership roles thoroughly.
Make self-care non-negotiable.

Dr. Tookes’ journey shows that becoming a leader in academia is about aligning your values, seizing opportunities to make systemic change, and leading with both skill and empathy.