For this blog I want to take a little time to say a special
thank you.
One of the most difficult aspects of being a Director for a
Residence Life office, or really a professional in any field, is when you see
good people who leave to take on a new opportunity. A few days ago, August 31,
a talented professional left Southeast Missouri State University to tackle the
Director of Recreation Services position at Southern Illinois University –
Carbondale (SIUC). This talented professional is Troy Vaughn, former Director
for Recreation Services at Southeast, who brought many positive improvements
for the students, faculty, and staff of our campus.
I still remember my first impressions of Troy. From his
first days on the Southeast campus Troy worked to advance two ideas, at least
two stuck out to me. First, was a focus on professionalism. From name tags for
his staff, a focus on cleanliness, signage, and multiple other examples, Troy
worked to present his facilities, his staff, and his programs as a professional
operation. In my opinion there can be a belief that just because something is
focused or targeted at students there is less of a need for a high level of
professionalism. While this may be the case in years past, it is no longer
acceptable to treat students in a manner where they are taken for granted.
Troy’s commitment to professionalism is an important step in making sure the
students of Southeast are provided the best possible facilities, programs and
recreational opportunities possible.
Second, Troy has a true passion for working with students.
On many occasions Troy was at the front of asking about how students benefit
(or don’t benefit) from decisions being made. These were constructive and
important questions as they force people to make sure they are factoring in how
things impact our students. For example, the Student Recreation Center is often
called upon to host events or requested to close part of their facility for
some event. While these events are
important, Troy was very disciplined in making sure that events did not trump
the individual students (who pay for the Student Recreation Center) from using
their facility.
As Troy begins the Director position at SIUC I have a great
deal of confidence he will be successful at his new University. While I am
pleased Troy has been afforded this new opportunity, I am disappointed to see
him go. One advantage Southeast does have is that Troy leaves the University
with what Dr. Dennis Holt, Dean of Students at Southeast, described as “a very
deep bench.” As I consider this deep bench I do not find myself at all
surprised. Troy took the development of his staff, both professional and
student, as a critical part of his role as Director. Many years ago I heard
that the best leaders are those who train people to take over for them. I was
always struck by this commitment of a leader to develop people who could
challenge them for the very position the leader currently occupies. As Troy
departs Southeast he has certainly lived up to this definition of a leader by
training those around him to assume leadership roles within Student Recreation
Services.
On behalf of the many faculty, staff, and most importantly
our students, I want to thank Troy for his work at Southeast. You have left a
positive impact on our campus and that influence will have a lasting impact. I am
thankful I was able to be his colleague during his time here, and I count
myself as fortunate to remain his colleague as he assumes his new role.
No comments:
Post a Comment