Dr. Stitts, commonly referred to as “Kathy,” possesses a profound dedication to mentoring both students and staff, extending her support beyond these groups. She is committed to facilitating individuals in realizing their authentic selves by uncovering and showcasing their inherent talents. While serving as interim provost at Winston-Salem State University, she established a leadership program aimed at employees in administrative roles related to facilities management. In my capacity as her project assistant, I experienced her influence first-hand; she guided me in taking significant steps toward leadership, empowering me to step out from behind the scenes.

Throughout the program, I witnessed remarkable transformations as participants evolved into confident leaders. Several individuals, initially apprehensive about public speaking, emerged as courageous leaders by the conclusion of the program. Dr. Stitts has a unique ability to assist others in projecting themselves as the most prominent and confident voices in diverse settings.

In her role as interim provost, she illustrated her adeptness at solving complex problems by effectively managing the leadership program and engaging with various community organizations. Dr. Stitts demonstrates strong critical thinking skills and possesses the innovative capacity to devise new strategies for addressing challenging situations. One notable initiative involved restructuring the leadership framework within a key area to enhance flexibility, thereby fostering a more conducive work environment. Her initial focus was on developing the management skills of leaders, which subsequently improved overall productivity among staff members. Dr. Stitts recognized that prioritizing leadership development is essential for optimizing employee output and organizational success.

Kathy understands business acumen that is demonstrated through her understanding of business operations, strategy, and awareness of building a firm foundation so a business can stand the test of time. She provides relevant and valuable advice so that companies, institutions, departments, or any business can grow.