What inspires you?

I’m inspired by building teams where people feel seen and supported. In past roles, I’ve loved mentoring colleagues, clarifying goals, and creating spaces where staff felt safe to share concerns and new ideas. That’s why I prioritize leadership roles where I can develop others (and myself) while moving the institution’s mission forward.

I’m also inspired by witnessing students overcome obstacles, especially ones that feel impossible. I’ve seen learners balance work, family, and school with grit and grace. Their perseverance pushes me to design clearer processes, proactive outreach, and more compassionate policies. That sense of shared victory is what keeps me energized to continue working in student success.

What makes a great leader?

Great leaders are made through the self-aware and intentional practice of integrity, humility, vulnerability, compassion, and respect. The priorities of great leaders emphasize the value of an innovative vision, motivated mentorship, and clear communication. When surrounded by great leadership, individuals feel supported and appreciated while teams are clear about the culture and mission of an organization. Support and appreciation coupled with a clear vision of culture and mission to promote engagement and excellence.

Tell us about your most difficult challenge and how you overcame it.

A difficult professional challenge I experienced was the acquisition of Wesley College by Delaware State University in 2021. Although the acquisition came with a significant amount of change, the process taught me about remaining steadfast to meeting students where they are, even in times of significant uncertainty. Although Wesley College is no longer part of the higher education landscape in its original form, Delaware State University has established the Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. This establishment keeps the Wesley legacy alive while transforming the educational experience of future health care professionals in the First State.

Tell us about a time you felt truly proud of your work. What did you accomplish?

An experience I felt truly proud of was being a speaker in the Leadership Fellows Program for Soroptimist International, an organization that uses educational opportunities to promote the economic growth of women around the world, specifically North America, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim. The foundation of education allows women of various cultural and socioeconomic experience to secure economic opportunities that propel themselves and families to a more stable and secure future.

Danielle L. Archambault, Ed.D., is a higher education scholar-practitioner specializing in student success, retention, and inclusive teaching. Drawing on a doctorate in Higher Education from Wilmington University and advanced training in English, she has designed and taught a wide range of courses supporting first-generation, probationary, and STEM-intending students, with a strong focus on academic recovery and transition to college-level work. Her scholarship and presentations span transformative leadership, appreciative advising, early alert systems, and equity-centered classroom and customer service practices, and she has contributed to national conversations through AAC&U, NACADA, NCLCA, and other professional venues. Certified in Effective College Instruction (ACUE), Mental Health First Aid, and higher education customer service, Dr. Archambault is committed to creating affirming, data-informed learning environments that help diverse learners thrive