As educational institutions throughout the country welcome back students, Dr. Corey Campbell, Keiser University’s Flagship campus Dean of Students shares that the improvement of Emotional Intelligence (EI), can have a dramatic influence on a student’s overall academic and social success.

Emotional Intelligence is defined as the capacity of individuals to recognize one’s own, and other people’s emotions, to discern between different feelings and label them appropriately, and to use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior.

Campbell’s tips for students to improve emotional intelligence include:

1. Recognize your personal triggers, or occurrences that may affect your mood in a positive or negative manner.

2. Recognize what is within your control and what is not within your control.

3. Establish your personal values. ‘If you do not stand for something, you will fall for anything,’ smiled Campbell who relays that it’s important to identify what is important to you for your general standard of behavior. When facing challenging situations use the standards (which include the emphasis you place on respect, empathy and integrity) as a path to overcome the challenge.

4. Become situationally aware. (Understand your audience.)

• a. Recognize the difference between interacting in a social setting as opposed to a professional environment.  Understand the expectations of instructors for each of your classes.
• b. Example: What is permitted in one class may not be permitted in another, that is okay. Be situationally aware and adapt to your environment.

5. Take control of your future. The only person’s behavior you can fully control is that of yourself.

“Because classrooms, social and athletic settings can sometimes serve as emotional incubators, an understanding of the Emotional Intelligence concept, along with one’s Intellectual Quotient (IQ) can be helpful in improving the acumen needed for effective academic, athletic and professional success, as a conscious effort to improve EI plays an essential role in overall success and productivity,” said Campbell.

Campbell has over 15 years’ experience within higher education in varying leadership roles.  A firm believer in life-long learning, he has implemented curriculum for leadership distinction, exercise science and adult education as well as worked across departmental lines to develop formative educational programs for improving student retention through First Year Experience, Student Ambassador, Peer Tutoring and Mentoring programs.

A presenter at numerous conferences on a variety of topics focusing on leadership, curriculum design, student support and fitness and wellness, Campbell has published in various peer reviewed journals. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Sciences and Master of Science in Sport Management from the University of Florida and his Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University. A member of NASPA, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc and the Chair Academy, he also volunteers with the American Red Cross and the Boys and Girls Club.