About
In Her Own Words
Q&A with Carrie
What’s the vibe coaching with you?
I love what I do! I love my clients and I think it shows. My enthusiasm for working closely with people who are developing themselves comes out in conversations that are purposeful and supportive. In a busy professional setting having time simply to reflect and to be intentional about the work about which they are passionate is an incredible act of self-care. After folks have worked with me, they know they always have a new partner and cheerleader and forever friend in me in their corner for the remainder of their career!
All coaches have unique styles. My style is particularly client driven. We base all of our work client goals, reflection, “homework” assignments outside of sessions that encourages growth focus on the goals of our particular coaching engagement.
What are all those letters behind your name?
As a PhD, I have experienced a high amount of formal education and research in my professional field. The PCC notation signifies my formal coaching certification from ICF, the premier international coaching certification body. I have been formally trained in the art of professional coaching, which is a different experience than merely working as a mentor or supervisor with staff. I have completed a significant amount of coaching training and have experienced professional mentorship from other full-time executive coaches.Currently I hold a PCC level certification and have more than 1700 professional hours serving as a coach in addition to nearly 170 hours of training and annual required continuing education training to better my craft.
I am a self-proclaimed Leadership Nerd! Higher education has provided the perfect training ground for my passion in leadership development. I love the lightbulb that comes on when a leader sees how the dynamics of the group are at play – and sees just what their followers are craving. I remember times when that happened to me, both as leader AND follower, and the energy is invigorating!
When did you know you wanted to be a coach?
Becoming a coach was a natural progression for me that married all my skills and training to a commitment to professional & personal growth of individuals. I realized when I was 19 that I wanted to work in education. As a student at Berry College majoring in English and minoring in theatre, I fell in love with all aspects of campus life, from organized activities to developing deep friendships with my peers. College was truly magical and transformational for me. This former student body president set about to have a career working with college students. I have enjoyed being a senior leader in higher education ever since.
Carrie on Campus
After over 25 years in on-campus roles in higher education, Carrie Lovelace Petr established an executive coaching practice to serve leadership in the higher education industry in 2020. Known for her contagious enthusiasm and passion for building relationships, Carrie brings demonstrated expertise in leadership development and industry know-how.
Carrie began her professional career on campus and grew from a new professional in student affairs into a two-time executive serving on the president’s cabinet and founding an academic minor in leadership studies. In the course of her work in campus roles, Carrie has been responsible for all traditional areas of student services and student affairs, including crisis management, academic advising and planning, health and counseling services, Greek life, housing and auxiliaries, student activities and Title IX.
As a professionally trained and ICF-certified executive and professional coach, Carrie is an accomplished partner for higher education executives. Centering coaching sessions on professional and leadership development is a hallmark of working with Carrie and reflects her hundreds of client hours working 1:1 with professionals across the industry.
The product of a family of educators, Carrie holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, as well as an MA in Higher Education Administration and received a BA in English from Berry College.
Carrie is based in Lincoln Nebraska where she lives with her husband, who also works in higher education, and Felix, the cutest King Charles Cavalier Spaniel in the universe. She’s the proud mama of a terrific adult daughter who keeps her humble and keeps her laughing. Carrie loves good books, bike rides, Husker volleyball and is known for her sassy sense of humor and boisterous laugh.
Chief Happiness Officer Felix
Felix has been CHO at Carrie Lovelace Petr Coaching & Consulting since the beginning! This sweet little guy provides positive role modeling and support to everyone involved in the practice, from clients to colleagues. His key role is to dole out joy to the CEO (and clients). Other job responsibilities include making passing appearances in meetings, improving office morale, keeping strict account of snack breaks, and dozing appreciably in his fluffy blue chair by the window.
Folks often ask about Felix’s breed and personality. As a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Felix views everyone as his friend. He always sees the best in everyone and assumes people have good intentions at heart. For Felix, every new person is a new friend with new stories to tell and new things to learn. (And he wouldn’t mind a tasty snack too!)