Dr. Zhe He, Associate Professor in the School of Information and Director of the FSU Institute for Successful Longevity, recently participated in the 2025 Computing Research Association (CRA) Leadership Academy, held in Washington, D.C., from February 20–21. This national event brought together over 50 emerging and established leaders from computing and information science departments across the country. Designed to cultivate effective academic leadership, the academy featured interactive workshops, expert panels, and networking sessions focused on strategic leadership in computing research and education.
Throughout the two-day event, participants explored topics such as effective leadership, mentoring strategies, organizational development, and navigating academic change. These conversations offered aspiring and current leaders the opportunity to learn from one another and reflect on their own approaches to leadership within their institutions.
Dr. He shared that one of his guiding principles is to be a “happy leader”—a concept that centers on leading with positivity, purpose, and authenticity. “I believe that happiness in leadership stems from authenticity, empathy, and maintaining a sense of purpose. It’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, motivated, and empowered to achieve their best,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of aligning leadership with personal and institutional values. “One of the most valuable lessons from the CRA Leadership Academy was the importance of intentional, values-driven leadership. I plan to apply this by further integrating reflective practices into my leadership routine, regularly assessing how my decisions align with my core values and the goals of the teams I lead,” said Dr. He.
At Florida State University, Dr. He leads numerous interdisciplinary projects and plays a pivotal role in advancing aging and health informatics research. He is committed to fostering collaborative and innovative environments both at the Institute for Successful Longevity and within the College of Communication and Information.
Reflecting on his experience, Dr. He noted, “The biggest takeaway from the CRA Leadership Academy was the importance of balancing ambition with well-being. As leaders, it’s crucial to pursue excellence without sacrificing personal happiness and health.”