Leading through experience: Dr. Leslie Sukup’s non-traditional path to higher education

With more than 34 years of experience spanning military service and higher education, Dr. Leslie Sukup brings a wealth of real-world knowledge and passion for learning to her classroom at Ferris State University.

Dr. Sukup’s path to academia was anything but traditional. After serving in the military and building a professional career, she discovered her love of teaching and made a mid-career change to pursue higher education. While in the Air Force, she earned her undergraduate degree in Computer Information Systems, followed by an MBA, and later completed her Doctorate in Business Administration. Her nontraditional journey gives her a unique perspective that deeply resonates with students navigating their own academic and career paths.

Before joining Ferris State, Dr. Sukup spent several years working on special assignments in the military, including time at the Pentagon, Guam, and working for President George W. Bush. Between 1993 and 2017, she relocated approximately every three to four years, living and working in places such as Texas, Mississippi, Virginia, Florida, Boston, New Jersey, and beyond. These experiences shaped her adaptability, leadership skills, and global perspective.

Dr. Sukup is passionate about hands-on learning and student mentorship, which she found at Ferris State. She believes in “lifelong learning” with her goal not only to teach but to mentor, guide, and encourage students to embrace opportunities that challenge them.

When asked what advice she gives students, her message is simple and powerful: “become comfortable with the uncomfortable” and “believe in yourself and you never know what will happen.” She encourages students to view change as an opportunity rather than a setback, which is something she has modeled throughout her own career.

In addition to teaching, Dr. Sukup has published in academic journals, such as the College Student Journal, and continues contributing to research on resilience and success. Her commitment, combined with her dynamic professional background, makes her an inspiring leader both inside and outside the classroom.

For Dr. Sukup, success is defined by positive impact, seeing students graduate, grow in confidence, and move forward into meaningful careers. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that professional success is rarely a straight line, but rather the result of having the courage to embrace the unknown.