Dr. Jeffrey Weaver’s distinguished career spans more than 37 years across the military, federal government, academia, and the private sector. Following 21 years in the U.S. Army, he held strategic roles in government and served in faculty leadership at multiple universities. A passionate educator, Weaver specializes in management, organizational psychology, and leadership; he is recognized for fostering active, experiential learning environments. His commitment to building inclusive, high-impact institutions shapes his dynamic approach, inspiring transformation and authentic engagement across university life and beyond.
Q: How do your leadership courses equip learners for challenges beyond the classroom?
A: My instructional approach transforms the classroom into a dynamic, interactive workshop
where theory is immediately applied to authentic situations. Learners navigate real
organizational dilemmas and group projects reflecting workplace unpredictability and
ethical complexity. Assignments, role plays, and case studies require adaptation to
current events and promote resilience. Self-reflection, teamwork, and feedback help
cultivate empathetic, adaptive leaders. Local speakers and community partners link
academic lessons to practical leadership, blending ethical analysis, agility, and
continuous coaching—ensuring participants are prepared for the demands of real-life
leadership.
Q: How has your diverse professional journey enhanced your problem-solving?
A: My background straddling education, public service, and consulting provides a broad,
strategic perspective. Leading across sectors taught me to see issues as interconnected,
driving innovation and long-term progress. This experience allows me to align strategies,
policies, and people for maximum impact. I balance regulatory awareness with creative
agility, and leverage both data and empathy to drive decisions. My solutions focus
on sustainable change—whether updating systems, shaping new programs, or raising outcomes
for learners and colleagues. Adaptability and mission alignment are core, ensuring
every challenge is viewed as a pathway for improvement.
Q: What skills are most vital for today’s emerging professionals?
A: In a rapidly changing economy, graduates need a blend of technical prowess, relational
abilities, and flexible thinking. I encourage rigorous analysis and cross-disciplinary
problem-solving grounded in practical, workplace scenarios. Communication—across all
platforms—and emotional intelligence are indispensable for collaboration and effective
leadership. As automation advances, digital fluency and data analytics are crucial.
Adaptability, resilience, and a growth mindset help individuals thrive in uncertainty.
I emphasize working productively in diverse teams and driving positive change with
integrity, inclusion, and a focus on sustainability. Above all, I aim to instill a
lifelong capacity for curiosity, reflection, and continuous learning, ensuring graduates
navigate—and shape—an evolving future.
Q: What are the key challenges and opportunities for UBalt’s Merrick School of Business
in advancing a learner-focused model?
A: As universities face rising expectations for flexibility and value, UBalt’s business
school is navigating a pivotal shift toward prioritizing learners’ needs. Moving to
a more individualized approach enhances engagement, retention, and professional outcomes—especially
for working adults and those transferring in. However, this transition requires teamwide
collaboration, revised workflows, and new investments in technology, data, and advising,
all while managing finite resources. Success hinges on empowering faculty and recognizing
their mentorship. The reward is greater satisfaction, stronger graduation rates, clear
market distinction, and deeper employer and alumni rapport, all guided by robust analytics.
By fostering cross-functional teams, investing in staff development, and piloting
new initiatives, UBalt can set a standard for impactful, career-oriented education
in the region.
Q: What distinguishes the University of Baltimore’s culture?
A: UBalt is defined by its purposeful, inclusive culture—committed to access, hands-on
development, and genuine connections with contemporary challenges. Our diverse learners
add real-world insights, infusing coursework with immediacy and relevance. The city
becomes an extension of the classroom through civic partnerships and applied projects.
Collaboration is foundational here, uniting faculty, staff, and learners in pursuit
of equity and professional advancement. Our programs are tightly aligned with workforce
needs, giving participants opportunities for meaningful engagement and career growth.
Most importantly, UBalt’s ethos celebrates authenticity and diversity, inspiring individuals
to make a lasting, positive impact on their communities and professions.
Take Five is a Q&A series that spotlights the heart of the Merrick School of Business: our people. In just five questions and five answers, you'll discover what makes our community truly special.
