Understanding and Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
Event Details
The Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) invites you to join us for
Event Details
The Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) invites you to join us for a virtual training entitled “Understanding and Overcoming Impostor Syndrome.” Scheduled for Friday, Feb. 27, from 10-11:30 a.m. ET, this webinar will be presented by Dr. Thomas Dickson of Beech Dickson Consulting.
This presentation will review the building blocks of impostor syndrome in students and higher education professionals. We will explore the fundamentals of impostor syndrome, the impostor cycle, the characteristics of those who experience it, and discuss how to support others on the path toward success.
Impostor syndrome is a persistent self-doubt and fear of exposure as a fraud that causes many to question their abilities, discount praise, generate additional anxiety, opt for easier pathways, and experience increased dissatisfaction with their lives. We will examine how students and personnel frequently struggle with strong feelings of guilt, fear of failure, and both strong internal and external expectations to be successful.
Some of the most challenging experiences faced involve navigating complex emotions that generate increased anxiety, lead to dismissal of praise, and make it difficult to enjoy moments of success. We will discuss the foundational works of Imes and Clance (1978) and show how already-present fears and pressures can be amplified by impostor syndrome, as well as how the impostor cycle can become more severe over time. We will provide methods for helping others overcome fears and guilt, along with techniques for moving beyond dismissing praise and learning to enjoy success.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
- Be able to identify the components of impostor syndrome and the steps of the impostor cycle
- Recognize the compounding factors of the first-generation identity when paired with impostor syndrome
- Identify methods for addressing impostor syndrome and techniques to celebrate and internalize successes
Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of impostor syndrome and learn practical strategies to support both students and colleagues. Reserve your spot today and equip yourself with tools to foster confidence, resilience, and success. Click here to register now!
Registration for this event will close on Monday, Feb. 23. If you are unable to attend the live session, a recording link will be sent to all registrants.
When: Friday, Feb. 27, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. ET [if you are unable to attend the live session, a recording link will be sent to all registrants]
Where: SOCHE Zoom Platform (link sent at least 24 hours prior to event)
Cost
- Personnel from SOCHE Member Schools: $10
- Personnel from NON-Member Schools/Orgs: $20
- Students: $5
Questions? Contact Mindy Claggett at SOCHE
About the Presenter

Thomas Dickson, Ph.D.
Owner
Beech Dickson Consulting
Dr. Thomas Dickson is the owner of Beech Dickson Consulting and is an experienced educator with over twenty-five years of higher education experience in student success initiatives, academic advising, and first-generation supports. Dr. Dickson currently serves as Director of the Ohio Strong in Science initiative for the Ohio Department of Higher Education focused on STEM curricular reforms and co-requisite models. Before Ohio, he led post-secondary initiatives for a regional cradle-to-career organization that supported institutional transformation at 18 community colleges and universities in southern California. His work experience includes advising and advising administration at Arizona State University, University Arizona as an Assistant Dean, and University of California Riverside as an Assistant Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education. He has taught over 75 courses ranging from first-year success courses, career exploration, democratic pedagogy, and higher education graduate students. He has a Bachelors in psychology, a Masters in Counseling, and Doctorate in Higher and Post-Secondary Administration.
Dr. Dickson researches and presents on academic advising, burnout and compassion fatigue, imposter phenomenon, first-generation students, student engagement and high-impact practices, and higher education and non-profit administration.