Every year, the Delaware ACE Women’s Network (DAWN) names “visionaries,” women who contribute positively to their institutions, communities, families, and careers — forward thinkers in higher education.

Wilmington University Professor and Center for Teaching Excellence Director Dr. Adrienne Bey was named a 2023 DAWN Visionary. 

When she received her award, Dr. Bey said she was motivated by family, people, and the human spirit. “I am always inspired by the grit and tenacity of a person’s ability to navigate obstacles and overcome challenges to achieve their goals and live their dreams.”

In her mind, great leaders are visionaries. “They see and fore-cast challenges and opportunities from all angles,” she said. “They see opportunities for success and groom people for that success. Leaders are also people whom other people want to follow. Having a leadership title does not automatically make someone a leader.”

She adheres to the tenets of servant leadership, knowing when to serve, when to lead, and, she said, “when to do both at the same time.”

Leaders strive for excellence, she added, “No one is perfect, so it is unrealistic to think that every leader will achieve perfection in every endeavor. However, I do believe in the saying, ‘Always shoot for the moon because if you miss, you will still be among the stars.’”

According to its website, DAWN is committed to the advancement of women leaders in higher education. “For more than 25 years, DAWN has provided information and counsel to constituencies within the higher education community regarding policies, issues, education, and research that influence women’s equity, diversity, and advancement.

DAWN provides national leadership in advancing women to executive positions on campus and serves as a national voice for women in higher education. Staff members also work in collaboration with associations and other groups in higher education on ways to improve the status of women.”

Learn more at Wilmington University.