WEST PLAINS, Mo.– Missouri State University-West Plains will participate in Missouri State University’s 2011 Public Affairs Conference, “Leading in a Global Society,” April 12-15 by offering area residents the opportunity to hear conference speakers via interactive television (ITV).
Local campus officials joined forces with conference organizers at the Springfield campus to make arrangements for area residents to see and hear three of the event’s plenary addresses on the local campus, said Deborah DeWitt, coordinator of theater and events with Missouri State-West Plains’ University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department, which is hosting the event locally.
“We are thrilled to once again have the opportunity to give area residents a chance to participate in this important event through ITV,” DeWitt said. “Although the speakers will be on the Springfield campus, those who attend at our campus will be able to hear the addresses and participate in the discussions as they happen.”
This year’s conference, the seventh hosted by the university, will focus on various forms and models of leadership that go beyond the traditional “take charge” behavior normally associated with the term, according to conference chair Dr. Gloria J. Galanes, provost fellow for public affairs.
“Most people from the United States envision leadership as synonymous with ‘take charge’ behavior. This narrow view of leadership assumes that if someone is not visibly directing and controlling the activities of others, that person is not exhibiting leadership. This is, however, only one model of leadership – and not necessarily the model most likely to be effective in addressing contemporary issues. The problems facing our society are complex and multi-layered, involving many stakeholders, each with his or her own unique perspective about issues and preferred ways of addressing them. If we are to succeed, we need leadership that encourages all voices to be heard, is interested in and respectful of differences, open to trying new models of problem solving and willing to work collectively on our mutual problems,” she explained.
The three plenary addresses that will be provided via ITV to West Plains include:
• “GOTTA MOVE: Dancing into Leadership” by Lynn Dally, artistic director of the Jazz Tap Ensemble, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, room 101 of the Lybyer Technology Center. Dally, a recognized leader in the renaissance of tap dance in the U.S. and abroad, will present her documentary film “GOTTA MOVE: Women in Tap,” which chronicles five generations of phenomenal tap dancers who came together from across America to dance, to share stories, to talk tap and to celebrate.
• “Leading School Turnaround: What Works” by Elizabeth Molina Morgan, executive director of Grad Nation, from noon to 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, in room 101 of the Lybyer Technology Center. The “Race to the Top” agenda is aimed at transforming the lowest-achieving schools in every school system in America. This session will focus on a strategic process to improve schools and will offer proven, concrete strategies, processes and actions needed to effect dynamic change. Grad Nation is an initiative of America’s Promise Alliance, founded in 1997 by U.S. Army Gen. (Ret.) Colin Powell.
• “Everyday leadership…in case you’re not the president, a CEO or a general” by Bill Perry, Missouri State University alumnus and a senior executive at Accenture, a global management consulting, technology and outsourcing firm, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 14 in room 202 of the Lybyer Technology Center. In this address, Perry will share his personal experiences with everyday leaders and encourage each individual to make a difference in his or her community.
All local presentations are free and open to the public.
A number of other keynote sessions, panels and special events also are planned on the Springfield campus. Complete program information can be found online at http://publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/conference/. All events are free and open to the public. Presenting sponsor of the event is The Springfield News-Leader.
For more information about the local presentations of plenary addresses, call the U/CP Department office at 471-255-7966.