From Campus to Career: Doctoral Student Inspires Future Leaders at the 2026 LEADS Conference

Anthony Graham Jr., B.S. ’14, M.S. ’21, a graduate student in the Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management and Policy program, is bringing real-world policing experience, entrepreneurial drive, and a passion for technology to campus. This past spring, Graham represented Seton Hall University at the 2026 LEADS Conference at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he led a session titled "5 Year Plan." His workshop focused on equipping students with the tools and confidence needed to navigate the transition from college to a professional career.

Before the conference, Graham shared his excitement about the opportunity, noting, "I really enjoy being able to help others, and I just know that this opportunity will help me get a more in-depth feeling for what my future as a leader will look like. I am so grateful.” His enthusiasm set the tone for a session that blended personal insight, practical guidance and motivational leadership.

The LEADS Conference centered on four pillars of modern leadership: critical thinking, career and self-development, leadership development, and civil discourse. Graham’s diverse background — spanning law enforcement, investigations, entrepreneurship, and public speaking — allowed him to connect these themes to real-world decision-making. His experiences provided students with a grounded perspective on how to evaluate information, identify stakeholders and apply effective strategies in both everyday and long-term career planning.

Participants in his workshop engaged in discussions and activities to help them reflect on their goals and understand the importance of aligning their career choices with their personal values. Graham emphasized that meaningful work extends beyond salary considerations, encouraging students to prioritize purpose, fulfillment and quality of life.

Drawing on his previous speaking engagements and teaching experience, Graham incorporates mentorship and interactive learning into his approach. Rather than relying solely on traditional presentations, he uses games, activities, and collaborative exercises to foster engagement and build students' confidence as they explore their professional paths.

Graham credits Professor Rong Chen, Ph.D., acting chair of the Department of Education Leadership, Management and Policy, for connecting him with the opportunity to present at the conference. He also acknowledged Professor Kishon C. Hickman Sr. Ph.D., program director of the Law Enforcement Executive Leadership (LEEL) program, for his words of wisdom and
mentorship, noting that his insight into Seton Hall’s community and values aligns closely with Graham’s own.

Graham continues to demonstrate a deep commitment to community safety, education, and leadership development — values that shape both his academic journey and his long-term aspirations. As he completes his first semester at Seton Hall, Graham remains focused on mentoring the next generation of leaders and hopes to one day share his technology-driven training methods internationally.

Reflecting on his own path, he offers students advice rooted in resilience and growth: “Education is something nobody can take from you. Regardless of your situation in life, when you educate yourself, nobody can ever take that. Stay true to yourself. Just know that it will get tough along the way, but it will mean that much more in the end at graduation.”

About the Department of Educational Leadership, Management and Policy
Within the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media, the Department is dedicated to serving and developing aspiring and current leaders. The Department offers a wide range of certificates, master’s, educational specialists, and doctoral programs, organized into three primary areas: K–12 education leadership, higher education leadership, and law enforcement leadership. Each program is designed to meet students’ strengths and professional goals, emphasizing excellence, care, service, diversity, equity, inclusion and visionary, ethical leadership.

Categories: Education, Research