When faith meets leadership, education becomes more than academics — it becomes transformation. With a Doctorate in Business Management and Leadership, Dr. LaKeisha LaGuins has dedicated her career to guiding students toward purpose, clarity, and confidence. Her background in strategic communication, mentorship, and organizational leadership fuels her mission to help young people discover their identity, strengthen their discipline, and walk boldly in the gifts God placed within them. Dr. LaGuins is committed to fostering an inclusive, faith-driven learning environment where every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive academically, spiritually, and personally. In this interview, she shares the heart behind her leadership philosophy, the importance of service-driven impact, and what it truly means to help students unlock their God-given potential.
Fancy: Your career blends academic leadership, mentorship, and strategic communication. What first inspired your passion for guiding students and shaping their educational journeys?
Dr. LaGuins: My passion was born from my own educational journey. I know what it feels like to search for direction, to wonder what’s possible, and to need someone who truly believes in you. Early in my career, I realized that purpose isn’t just about achieving success — it’s about helping others rise with you. Guiding students became more than a job; it became a calling. Seeing a student transform from uncertain to unstoppable is what fuels everything I do.
Fancy: You describe your work as rooted in service-centered leadership. How does that philosophy shape the way you support students, faculty, and the communities you serve?
Dr. LaGuins: Service-centered leadership means I lead from compassion, humility, and responsibility. I make it my mission to meet people where they are, listen deeply, and understand their needs before anything else. Whether I’m supporting a student, collaborating with faculty, or partnering with the community, I lead with the mindset of “How can I serve?” That approach builds trust, strengthens relationships, and creates environments where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Fancy: Faith is an important part of your approach to education. How do you integrate spiritual grounding with academic excellence in a way that empowers students?
Dr. LaGuins: Faith is my foundation, and excellence is my standard. I integrate the two by encouraging students to pursue their purpose with intention — not just academically, but spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. I remind students that their gifts are God-given and their education is a tool to activate those gifts. When students understand that they are created with purpose, they show up with confidence, discipline, and a mindset prepared for excellence.
Fancy: You often speak about helping students discover their God-given potential. What does that look like in practice for the young people you mentor?
Dr. LaGuins: It looks like guiding them through self-discovery, helping them recognize their strengths, and teaching them to appreciate who they are becoming. Sometimes it’s a conversation, sometimes it’s an opportunity, and sometimes it’s challenging them to step outside their comfort zone. I help them see beyond what they’ve experienced and focus on what God has placed inside them. My role is to help them unlock it, nurture it, and walk boldly in it.
Fancy: As someone with administrative expertise and a doctorate in Business Management and Leadership, how do you balance structure and strategy with the human side of student development?
Dr. LaGuins: I believe structure creates stability, and authenticity creates connection. I blend both by ensuring that policies, systems, and programs are built with the student in mind — not just the institution. Strategy matters, but so does heart. I lead with clarity, but I also lead with compassion. When students know you genuinely care, they respond to guidance, expectations, and accountability with a different level of respect and commitment.
Fancy: Many students today face anxiety, uncertainty, and pressure around their future. What practices or perspectives do you offer to help them find confidence and clarity?
Dr. LaGuins: I remind students to breathe, to trust their journey, and to focus on progress — not perfection. I teach them practical tools: goal-setting, time management, positive self-talk, and learning to ask for help. I also remind them that uncertainty doesn’t mean unprepared — it means they’re evolving. When they understand that challenges are part of growth, they begin to replace fear with faith and confusion with clarity.
Fancy: Your leadership emphasizes inclusivity and belonging. How do you cultivate a learning environment where students from all backgrounds feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow?
Dr. LaGuins: I create spaces where every student feels welcomed and respected. I encourage diverse voices, culturally responsive teaching, and open dialogue. I take the time to learn who my students are — their stories, their goals, and their challenges. When students feel seen, they thrive. Inclusivity isn’t a strategy for me; it’s a commitment to making sure every student knows they belong and that their presence matters.
Fancy: How would you describe your SwagHer? What makes LaKeisha, LaKeisha?
Dr. LaGuins: My SwagHer is confidence wrapped in purpose. It’s the blend of faith, favor, resilience, and authenticity that I carry everywhere I go. I show up bold, I show up prepared, and I show up as myself. What makes LaKeisha, LaKeisha is my ability to lead with both strength and softness — to inspire with vision while staying grounded in who God created me to be.
Fancy: Please share how our audience can connect with you.
Dr. LaGuins: I’d love to connect with anyone looking for guidance, mentorship, leadership development, or inspiration.
You can reach me on:
Instagram: @KeiLaGuins
Facebook: Kei LaGuins
LinkedIn: Dr. LaKeisha LaGuins
Email: Keilaguinsdirector1@ail.com
I’m always open to connecting, collaborating, and continuing the work of empowering others to reach their full potential.
Read more SwagHer Spotlights
