Aristófanes Cedeño guides student on the path to healthy leadership

Frank Osborne • Mar 21, 2024

This week, Union Commonwealth University had the privilege of hosting Aristófanes Cedeño, a distinguished scholar who has expertise in leadership development, for an enlightening discourse on the Healthy Leaders Model. With references to his academic background and extensive experience, Dr. Cedeño provided insights into the essence of effective leadership, while highlighting the importance of personal well-being.


[PHOTO: Cedeño speaks to students, courtesy of the Rev. David Miller] 


Originating from Panama, Dr. Cedeño graduated from the University of Panama with a law degree, while also getting a doctorate in literary studies at Michigan State University. For over two decades, he has served as a professor at the University of Louisville, delving into areas such as natural law, the 19th century, and the Romantic Movement. His contributions have extended beyond academics, however, as he has been an integral member of the Governors Scholars Program since 1992, even becoming Executive Director, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader within his field.


During his visit to Union, Dr. Cedeño spoke about the principles of his Healthy Leaders Model, an approach that he described to prioritize individual well-being. He was keen to emphasis that to be a true leader, you must have a solid foundation of balance and self-care, challenging the misconception that success necessitates sacrificing personal health.

He outlined the six dimensions of the Healthy Leaders Model, in which each were essential for cultivating leadership qualities.

  • Physical Health: ensuring physical well-being to maintain focus and awareness
  • Emotional Health: being able to manage emotions and maintain resilience in challenging situations
  • Intellectual Health: being able to break away from your comfort zone and continuously seek growth
  • Social Health: being able to form meaningful connections and maintain effective communication skills
  • Vocational Health: the ability to do things to help others
  • Spiritual Health: the way you establish a sense of purpose and connection within your community

 

“Do not take anything personally. You cannot please everyone all the time. If you take something personally, then you become the loser.” This was a standout point as he was keen to address that if you worry too much about impressing people you miss opportunities and waste time.

 

Throughout the lecture, he emphasized the importance of authenticity and empathy in leadership, urging individuals to define their purpose and forge meaningful relationships. He underscored the need for leaders to tap into a higher purpose, embrace failure as a learning opportunity and cultivate trust and patience in their endeavors. When reinforcing that “you must have a meaning in life,” Cedeño referred to Aristotle’s quote, “your character defines your destiny” and he also referred to Winston Churchill’s saying that “wisdom belongs to your character.”

 

As Union continues their commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, Dr. Cedeno’s Healthy Leaders Model serves a beacon, illuminating the path towards balanced and impactful leadership. His visit is the third in ULead’s monthly student leadership training series, which features speakers from around Kentucky.

 

A joint project of the Spiritual Life & Justice Initiatives program, Athletics, and Student Development, ULead 360 focuses on developing emerging leaders in the areas of student development, introspective spirituality, vocational exploration, social justice, and global citizenship. Each speaker shares practical leadership advice and aims to inspire Union’s next generation of leaders. Everyone on campus is welcome, and student leaders are especially encouraged to attend.

 

For more information about ULead 360 or the Spiritual Life & Justice Initiatives program, contact College Minister & Executive Director of Spiritual Life & Social Justice Initiatives, the Rev. David Miller at (606)546-1291 or dkmiller@unionky.edu


logo for Appalachian Gathering for Recovery Solutions with sun over mountains
By Rachel Dorroh 14 May, 2024
Now in its third year, the Appalachian Gathering for Recovery Solutions brings people from across the addictions recovery landscape together to share ideas, resources, and hope.
graduate cap
By Rachel Dorroh 09 May, 2024
When they exit John M. Robsion Jr. Arena Saturday, tassels flipped to the left and diplomas in hand, eleven new graduates will be ready to pursue their dream careers as healthcare professionals.
photo of students playing in the esports arena
By Bruce Cory 29 Apr, 2024
This spring marks the end of the first season of intercollegiate competition for Union Commonwealth University's Esports teams. We fielded four teams this year: Valorant, Rocket League, Rainbow Six: Siege, and Super Smash Bros Ultimate for competition in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC).
faculty, students, guests gathered outside the chapel for convocation
By Rachel Dorroh 26 Apr, 2024
Union Commonwealth University celebrated student success Thursday with the annual Honors Convocation held in Conway Boatman Chapel. One sports team, one professor, one student group, and 49 individual students were recognized for their academic achievements and demonstration of Union’s core values.
By Frank Osborne 24 Apr, 2024
This week, Union students, faculty, and staff were honored to have a Leadership Conference with Lisa Abbott, a community organizer in the heart of Eastern Kentucky, who acts as a beacon of hope for racial, environmental and economic justice.
By Rachel Dorroh 23 Apr, 2024
Union Commonwealth University has received a three-year Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) matching grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help address the healthcare worker shortage in Kentucky. The grant will fund Union’s NextGen Telehealth Education Project, which is designed to increase educational access and train nurses and mental health professionals. A long list of new equipment and technology upgrades for both the Edna Jenkins Mann School of Nursing and Union’s psychology program is included.
By Rachel Dorroh 15 Apr, 2024
Ten new plays, ten local playwrights, four days - Union Commonwealth University’s inaugural New Play Festival hits the stage April 25-28 and features over 40 participants from both Union and the surrounding community.
Photo of Cobb pictured left, and Amelia Napier right
By David Saylor 10 Apr, 2024
Union Commonwealth University is proud to announce that students Tia Cobb and Amelia Napier are the recipients of the 2024 Appalachian College Association (ACA) Ledford Research Scholarship.
photo of a stack of pancakes and cup of coffee on a placemat
By Rachel Williams 04 Apr, 2024
Union’s Introduction to Photography class had a hands-on session this Tuesday. Students learned how to compose, light, and frame photos for food photography. What appeared to be a delicious breakfast used some strange ingredients to capture the perfect shot.
By Rachel Dorroh 27 Mar, 2024
Marcia Hawkins made history in 2012 when she became the first woman to serve as President of Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky. This wasn’t the first time she had made history, though. Hawkins was also the first in her family to pursue a college education, and she did it while working full-time and caring for her young child.
More Posts
Share by: