Families are so important. At TCL our family roots go back to our Matriarch, Rachel Crane Mather. We credit Mrs. Mather as our founder dating back to 1868. Each February, we celebrate Founder’s Day, a day when we remember the legacy of a woman with a vision who inspired others by giving them hope and by making a difference in their lives through education.
I’m reading a book by Barbara Mackoff and Gary Wenet called the Inner work of Leaders: Leadership as a Habit of Mind. In it, the authors mention how psychologist James Hillman describes the “net of nurturance” that shapes our lives. Clearly, Mrs. Mather is part of a net that binds us together. The authors also talk about the importance of mentors. They claim the action of leaders is shaped by mentors, and we need to remain open to opportunities for mentoring relationships.
I have many treasured mentors. Most of them are educators, some are community leaders. Some of my special mentors helped shape my faith. Take a moment and think about your mentors. Who are they? How did they impact you life? Some may have had a dramatic impact on your life, so much so that you place them in a unique category. These individuals, like super mentors, are termed exemplars, or people along your path of leadership who served as true role models -- who inspired in you the leadership concept as a habit of mind. An exemplar is a person who serves as a model of behavior, guiding the growth of inner resources in leaders-to-be.
Frankly, I like the term and the meaning of exemplar. Rachael Crane Mather was an exemplar, a woman with a deeper passion who made a difference in countless lives. Mrs. Mather’s passion for education led her to reach out to daughters of freed slaves and encouraged them to begin a regimented program of studies, eventually leading some of them to become teachers. Is there any higher calling?
We are fortunate at TCL to celebrate the Mather legacy during Founders Day (February 26) and every day. May her legacy continue to live through the lives of our current and future students.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Energized.
TCL is energized and positioned to advance the latest technology in alternative energy. Truly, with the help of key partners, the College will champion causes that put our region in a position to embrace future job creation with smart decisions that are good for the environment and economically viable for consumers. The best part is the jobs that result from innovative solutions.
It is truly exciting to see community members and partnerships working to solve energy-related issues. It makes sense to examine problems, but it is far more exciting to be leading the discussion and helping create the responsive solution. There are many examples, but for one, consider the work occurring in TCL’s Industrial and Engineering Technology Division. Grant funds help us reach new levels and challenge our students to think differently about the energy-related conditions we face. The future demands creativity. New LEED-certified options stressing solar, wind and tidal power generation has gained substantial momentum of late. I invite you to watch what happens when creative minds get involved.
The dedication of the new “solar array” at TCL’s New River Campus gives us a claim that we mean business in the arena of smart energy decisions. On behalf of our students and the broader community, I offer by sincere thanks to Santee Cooper and Palmetto Electric for working with TCL. We pledge our continued support to advancing technology and creating jobs with a green tint.
(To watch the real time generation of power at TCL’s New River Campus, click on http://siteapp.fatspaniel.net/siteapp/simpleView.jsf?eid=422219)
It is truly exciting to see community members and partnerships working to solve energy-related issues. It makes sense to examine problems, but it is far more exciting to be leading the discussion and helping create the responsive solution. There are many examples, but for one, consider the work occurring in TCL’s Industrial and Engineering Technology Division. Grant funds help us reach new levels and challenge our students to think differently about the energy-related conditions we face. The future demands creativity. New LEED-certified options stressing solar, wind and tidal power generation has gained substantial momentum of late. I invite you to watch what happens when creative minds get involved.
The dedication of the new “solar array” at TCL’s New River Campus gives us a claim that we mean business in the arena of smart energy decisions. On behalf of our students and the broader community, I offer by sincere thanks to Santee Cooper and Palmetto Electric for working with TCL. We pledge our continued support to advancing technology and creating jobs with a green tint.
(To watch the real time generation of power at TCL’s New River Campus, click on http://siteapp.fatspaniel.net/siteapp/simpleView.jsf?eid=422219)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Preserving Culture.
The spring semester started and enrollment is strong. It’s very good to have students want to participate in the educational process and consume the product we offer. That product, of course, is our curriculum.
The curriculum is a unique product. From a philosophical stand, I deem the curriculum is essential to preserve culture. The content of the curriculum is the specific and intentional elements that are planned, delivered and assessed by our faculty.
The curriculum is where major events are studied and analyzed. In history, for example, students can look at the lives of change agents to see results. Too often history is passive. Too often we do not relate to history; yet, each year I’m glad we take time to reflect on the impact of a visionary leader who believed in a life that was free from conflict. The relentless work of Martin Luther King is now recognized as transformational.
“Let us rise up with a greater readiness – with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, in these days of challenge, to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.” Those words were spoken in Memphis, TN on April 3, 1968, by Martin Luther King, in his famous “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. He was murdered the very next day.
I know this through the curriculum. Many others will know this through the curriculum that preserves culture and inspires us to remember heroes. The lesson is not just in remembering our history but learning from it.
We’re all about learning. Join us.
The curriculum is a unique product. From a philosophical stand, I deem the curriculum is essential to preserve culture. The content of the curriculum is the specific and intentional elements that are planned, delivered and assessed by our faculty.
The curriculum is where major events are studied and analyzed. In history, for example, students can look at the lives of change agents to see results. Too often history is passive. Too often we do not relate to history; yet, each year I’m glad we take time to reflect on the impact of a visionary leader who believed in a life that was free from conflict. The relentless work of Martin Luther King is now recognized as transformational.
“Let us rise up with a greater readiness – with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, in these days of challenge, to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.” Those words were spoken in Memphis, TN on April 3, 1968, by Martin Luther King, in his famous “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. He was murdered the very next day.
I know this through the curriculum. Many others will know this through the curriculum that preserves culture and inspires us to remember heroes. The lesson is not just in remembering our history but learning from it.
We’re all about learning. Join us.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Happy New Dacade.
It’s 2010 and the beginning of a new decade. What will happen in the next 10 years? That’s a question that sparks excitement and all sorts of creative thinking. Looking ahead, setting goals, and asking what will we look like in 2019 is clearly an exercise we will undertake at the College. Some things won’t change. I pledge to all members of our community: TCL will remain responsive and focused on providing innovative workforce solutions now and long into the future. Conversely, some things will change. How we respond to challenge will be different.
Arnold Toynbee, the famous British historian and prolific writer, once described the rise and fall of nations in terms of challenge and response. A young nation, he said, is confronted with a challenge for which it finds a successful response. It then grows and prospers. But as time passes, the nature of the challenge changes, and if a nation continues to make the same, once-successful response to the new challenge, it inevitably suffers a decline and eventual failure.
Herein lies my New Year’s resolution: to innovatively and creatively face opportunities with a mindset to respond differently for the hope of long term prosperity. Clearly, that is what gives me hope.
I’m approaching the New Year and New Decade with expanded optimism as now is the time to step up and provide creative and innovative opportunities to changing the economic and social landscape for our region.
We are TCL. It’s our job to lead change. Let’s get started.
Arnold Toynbee, the famous British historian and prolific writer, once described the rise and fall of nations in terms of challenge and response. A young nation, he said, is confronted with a challenge for which it finds a successful response. It then grows and prospers. But as time passes, the nature of the challenge changes, and if a nation continues to make the same, once-successful response to the new challenge, it inevitably suffers a decline and eventual failure.
Herein lies my New Year’s resolution: to innovatively and creatively face opportunities with a mindset to respond differently for the hope of long term prosperity. Clearly, that is what gives me hope.
I’m approaching the New Year and New Decade with expanded optimism as now is the time to step up and provide creative and innovative opportunities to changing the economic and social landscape for our region.
We are TCL. It’s our job to lead change. Let’s get started.
Friday, December 11, 2009
It's the Holiday Season.
I love it. There’s that special magic in the air. Stop by my office and the odds are favorable that you’ll hear holiday music. It’s a special time when both Joan and I play the same tunes. The music and seasonal continuity put me in a good holiday type of mood.
The holiday season yields a special opportunity to reflect on special events and special people. I believe the season is also a time when members of our campus community reflect on their obligation to serve our students through creative and responsive initiatives that inspire learning. The season also involves all types of end-of-semester activities. My seasonal reflection takes on a humble tone as I am honored to work with a committed group of talented individuals every day of the year.
It’s no secret that we’re experiencing dwindling financial support from traditional means. This condition has not caused us to retreat; conversely, it has inspired all of us to work harder to accomplish what we’re obligated to do. What we realize is that the economic conditions impact everyone in difficult ways, and while we work longer and harder, we keep a considerate mind on those who struggle and seek meaningful work.
For us at TCL, hard work has benefits with larger numbers of students attending TCL. In fact, those numbers have sustained us so far this year, and we have been able to survive additional state budget cuts without impacting staff reductions or service curtailment to students. It’s probable that more financial cuts are in the works, but the strength of the student enrollment looks very positive as we look toward the New Year and the start of a new academic semester. From a revenue perspective, we’re good, and we are not planning on scaling back by eliminating jobs or our continued commitment to customer service.
So, to employees, I say thank you for your hard work. We will continue to work hard in the coming year creating the magic that we all do so well. To our students, we are honored you selected TCL, and we pledge our continuing support. This is such a special place and I am honored to serve our community, internal and external, through the inspired leadership of the TCL Area Commission.
May the magic and majesty of this beautiful season fill your hearts with goodwill and peace.
The holiday season yields a special opportunity to reflect on special events and special people. I believe the season is also a time when members of our campus community reflect on their obligation to serve our students through creative and responsive initiatives that inspire learning. The season also involves all types of end-of-semester activities. My seasonal reflection takes on a humble tone as I am honored to work with a committed group of talented individuals every day of the year.
It’s no secret that we’re experiencing dwindling financial support from traditional means. This condition has not caused us to retreat; conversely, it has inspired all of us to work harder to accomplish what we’re obligated to do. What we realize is that the economic conditions impact everyone in difficult ways, and while we work longer and harder, we keep a considerate mind on those who struggle and seek meaningful work.
For us at TCL, hard work has benefits with larger numbers of students attending TCL. In fact, those numbers have sustained us so far this year, and we have been able to survive additional state budget cuts without impacting staff reductions or service curtailment to students. It’s probable that more financial cuts are in the works, but the strength of the student enrollment looks very positive as we look toward the New Year and the start of a new academic semester. From a revenue perspective, we’re good, and we are not planning on scaling back by eliminating jobs or our continued commitment to customer service.
So, to employees, I say thank you for your hard work. We will continue to work hard in the coming year creating the magic that we all do so well. To our students, we are honored you selected TCL, and we pledge our continuing support. This is such a special place and I am honored to serve our community, internal and external, through the inspired leadership of the TCL Area Commission.
May the magic and majesty of this beautiful season fill your hearts with goodwill and peace.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Excitement Builds
There are special events happening at TCL, among them, registration is now open for the spring semester. It’s exciting to prepare to begin another academic semester. We are always eager to welcome new students to the TCL family as we continue to serve current students.
Registration is a time when I see the excitement building. The other day, as part of a report, I counted the major initiatives on which our leaders are working, and I counted 17. They are diverse. They are all important. Any single initiative could define TCL and our sponsor counties long into the future. I get excited about progress including those initiatives where there is physical evidence as some renovation projects begin.
At this stage in the life of TCL, I can safely proclaim that we turned a corner and we’re making major strides toward substantial changes. We’re having fun – and it’s great to be busy. We are fulfilling our mission with dedicated initiatives that have an impact through the jobs that skilled students fill as they graduate from the College. That’s how it works. Students arrive. Students learn new skills and they graduate with a new knowledge base that fulfills workforce needs in our community. It all begins with that time of registration and class selection. Dozens of people are involved, and I’m honored to work with a dedicated team who places students first.
In this season of thanksgiving, I’m grateful to my colleagues and our students who give us life in our academic setting. Frankly, it’s our students who provide us the opportunity to get excited about what we do. Thanks to all for helping shape TCL and for giving us the opportunity to offer our curricula as the necessary ingredient that allows change to occur.
Registration is a time when I see the excitement building. The other day, as part of a report, I counted the major initiatives on which our leaders are working, and I counted 17. They are diverse. They are all important. Any single initiative could define TCL and our sponsor counties long into the future. I get excited about progress including those initiatives where there is physical evidence as some renovation projects begin.
At this stage in the life of TCL, I can safely proclaim that we turned a corner and we’re making major strides toward substantial changes. We’re having fun – and it’s great to be busy. We are fulfilling our mission with dedicated initiatives that have an impact through the jobs that skilled students fill as they graduate from the College. That’s how it works. Students arrive. Students learn new skills and they graduate with a new knowledge base that fulfills workforce needs in our community. It all begins with that time of registration and class selection. Dozens of people are involved, and I’m honored to work with a dedicated team who places students first.
In this season of thanksgiving, I’m grateful to my colleagues and our students who give us life in our academic setting. Frankly, it’s our students who provide us the opportunity to get excited about what we do. Thanks to all for helping shape TCL and for giving us the opportunity to offer our curricula as the necessary ingredient that allows change to occur.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Extreme Sacrifice
November has importance on several fronts. We all quickly recognize the season as one that unites families for a secular celebration of thanksgiving. There is another occasion that we need to celebrate, also with a thankful heart. The specific date for this occasion is on November 11. The event is Veterans Day. Our friends in Canada call this day Remembrance Day.
Locally, we are reminded of the importance of the United States Marine Corps and its 234th birthday. There are many veterans in our community and beyond who sacrificed and still sacrifice to make sure we remain free.
Sacrifice occurs in many forms. We need to recognize what sacrifice means. I’m reminded particularly of the investment perspective that comes through sacrifice. Students, especially those who are more traditional in age, can benefit from studying the sociological implications of sacrifice. Some may call it a benefit of delayed gratification.
In our classrooms, faculty sacrifice. They dedicate their souls to encourage learning. Students benefit, and many delay personal gain in the short run for the opportunity to obtain future gains. So, with grateful hearts, let’s take this season to genuinely recognize and thank those who sacrifice for others as we hold tightly to the American value of freedom, including academic freedom, which inspires learning and preserves freedom that comes through serving our country to defend and protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Locally, we are reminded of the importance of the United States Marine Corps and its 234th birthday. There are many veterans in our community and beyond who sacrificed and still sacrifice to make sure we remain free.
Sacrifice occurs in many forms. We need to recognize what sacrifice means. I’m reminded particularly of the investment perspective that comes through sacrifice. Students, especially those who are more traditional in age, can benefit from studying the sociological implications of sacrifice. Some may call it a benefit of delayed gratification.
In our classrooms, faculty sacrifice. They dedicate their souls to encourage learning. Students benefit, and many delay personal gain in the short run for the opportunity to obtain future gains. So, with grateful hearts, let’s take this season to genuinely recognize and thank those who sacrifice for others as we hold tightly to the American value of freedom, including academic freedom, which inspires learning and preserves freedom that comes through serving our country to defend and protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
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