COMMENTARY NWACC Has Legacy To Keep

COMMITMENT FUELS COLLEGE

— As I assume my new role as the chair of the board of trustees at NorthWest Arkansas Community College, I can’t help but reflect on the legacy of leadership shaped over the last 20 years by so many dedicated servant leaders.

The emergence of this legacy was no accident. In fact, it was intentional and is a direct result of a long lasting commitment to stewardship of the college’s mission, the public’s trust, and quality education.

Many exceptional leaders have been champions for the college and have devoted their generous time and resources towards shaping this legacy.

Though there are many, two leaders we lost in the past year come to mind.

Dan Conlan, a Public Safety Security Officer and friend to all at NWACC, and Jack Shewmaker, a donor and advisor to NWACC’s leadership.

Both shared a passion for education and service to others.

Dan inspired, challenged, and brought smiles to his many friends at NWACC and took pride in providingexceptional service to students and guests alike.

I had the distinct privilege of visiting with Dan in his home and as I later learned is an experience I have in common with all who crossed Dan’s path, Dan made it a point to inquire and encourage me about my personal faith in God and my family. From my personal experience and the stories I’ve heard from others, Dan left a lasting impression on me of what it means to be a servant leader at the college.

Jack was a great friend of NWACC and his generous time and resources helped bring the Shewmaker Center for Workforce Technologies and the ShewmakerCenter for Global Business Development to campus. In addition, Jack was instrumental in the launch of the NWACC Students In, Free Enterprise program which has been very successful.

Jack always took time to encourage me in my service to the college. For me, most importantly, Jack’s wonderful personal example and words of encouragement help me to have the courage to serve as board chair.

Dan and Jack are just two of many exceptional servant leaders that have been associated with NWACC. Others who continue with us today include Dick Trammel, who forever reminds us all that quality must be at the forefront of all of our efforts, Coleman Peterson, who set a high bar of service and patiently brought me along, and, of course, Dr. Becky Paneitz, who carries the servant leadership legacy forward.

Dr. Paneitz has been instrumental in helping shape NWACC’s legacy of servant leadership with her strong record of service and her unwavering commitment to the faculty, staff, and her fellow administrators.

She cares deeply about people and her personal mission is to create a culture where everyone feels connected, appreciated and inspired to achieve excellence.

The efforts of those I have mentioned here and the many I have not been able to name have not goneunnoticed. In fact, NWACC was recently recognized in the Northwest Arkansas Newspapers’ 2010 NWA Best of the Best Contest.

NWACC was a finalist along with Tyson Foods, Inc. in the “Best Company to Work For,” category behind only Walmart Stores, Inc., which was awarded First Place. To be in the same company of these cornerstone organizations who are ardent supporters of the College is a great honor and a testament to the appreciation the employees have for the College and its leadership.

I look forward to working with my fellow trustees and Dr. Paneitz and her leadership team to continue to build on the strong legacy of servant leadership we’ve all come to expect, and tackle the challenges that come withall great endeavors.

For now, let’s all take a moment to appreciate our faculty, staff, and administration for all the wonderful accomplishments of our NWACC as we continue to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

P. ALEX VASQUEZ, AN ATTORNEY FROM ROGERS BECAME THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NWACC BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN JANUARY.

Opinion, Pages 14 on 02/20/2011

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