At CU Denver’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, we believe that real impact starts with recognizing every voice—including the quiet ones. Dr. Soumia Bardhan, ThinqStudio Fellow (2022–2024), has led an insightful conversation about the value of intellectual quietness, challenging the assumption that only extroverted engagement counts in higher education.
Elevating Quiet Leadership and Inclusive Engagement
Through her ThinqStudio Community of Practice, Dr. Bardhan brought together faculty and staff to explore how academic spaces often privilege extroversion. The group asked: What if we recognized deep reflection, quiet processing, and active listening as powerful forms of leadership? By broadening our definition of engagement, we open doors for more students, faculty, and staff to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Real Conversations, Real Impact
Building on this momentum, Dr. Bardhan and her colleagues recorded a MASH-Up CU Denver podcast episode focused on introversion. Their discussion highlights the “quiet virtues” that support well-being for both students and faculty, and invites the CU Denver community to rethink what belonging looks like in our classrooms and beyond.
Expanding the Dialogue: Harnessing the Power of Introversion
Dr. Bardhan’s ThinqBlog post, “Harnessing the Power of Introversion,” dives deeper into the intersection of introversion, equity, mental health, and teaching practice. She offers actionable insights for educators and students alike, showing how honoring diverse ways of thinking and communicating can drive real-world change.
Dr. Bardhan’s ongoing work inspires us to reimagine what inclusive engagement means at CU Denver. By celebrating both quiet and outspoken contributions, we’re building a campus where everyone belongs—and where every perspective helps shape our future.
Learn more about how CU Denver’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is advancing inclusive excellence and real-world impact.