Leadership Built on Resilience, Vision, and Listening

Dr. Michael Cheng, Dean of the Chaplin School at Florida International University, embodies a leadership journey shaped by resilience, reinvention, and unwavering determination. Born and raised in Malaysia, he arrived in the U.S. as an international student, stepping into the freezing darkness of a Nebraska winter with no roadmap except courage and curiosity. His path began humbly as a campus dishwasher, guided by mentors who recognized his potential before he saw it himself. Through pivotal moments, changing majors, pursuing graduate school, navigating uncertainty, and discovering his passion for education, Dr. Cheng repeatedly chose growth over comfort. His career reflects a willingness to leap into the unknown: creating the first culinology degree in Nebraska, moving across states to build new programs, and ultimately stepping into the FIU deanship at a moment of profound change. With every transition, he relied on listening, learning, and perseverance, turning challenges such as failing his dissertation exam or leading through the pandemic into catalysts for deeper strength and clarity. 

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• “Say yes to opportunities before you think you’re ready.”
• “Mentors shape the paths we don’t yet see.”
• “Education is about changing lives, not just careers.”
• “Humility opens more doors than ambition.”
• “Every journey begins with curiosity.”

Closing Reflection (Improved and More Inspirational)

Dr. Cheng’s leadership story illustrates that progress is rarely linear, yet every setback can unlock wisdom when met with humility and resolve. He teaches that listening is not passive; it is an act of strength that allows leaders to gather understanding, invite diverse perspectives, and make courageous decisions. His experiences, from acclimating as an international student to rebuilding confidence after academic failure to guiding FIU through an unprecedented global crisis, affirm that the most meaningful growth happens when we refuse to give up. Dr. Cheng encourages future leaders to try boldly, seek counsel, embrace perseverance, and be proactive in shaping their own destiny. Ultimately, his journey reminds us that leadership begins with self-awareness, expands through service to others, and endures through a commitment to continual learning.

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