Recently Barbara Julian Garner joined 14 other individuals in the inaugural cohort of Mountain State University’s Doctor of Executive Leadership program. These 15 students are the leaders among leaders, paving the way for others who enroll in the program. Over the next months, we will introduce you to the students of our program and give you a glimpse into their lives as leaders.
When Barbara Garner announced her intention to earn a doctorate, curious friends and family members wondered at her decision; at age 61, many of her peers are looking toward retirement. But Barbara is excited and anticipating not only this time of study, but also the plans she has in mind for the future.
In addition to owning her own consulting company, Barbara coordinates the medical programs at WV Junior College Morgantown. Each year, graduation is an important milestone and remembrance for her.
She remembers the inspiration and encouragement she received from her father about the importance of education. Before Barbara could walk, he invested in an insurance policy set aside to fund her college education. This —in the mid 50s, when most of her friends did not even consider college an option — gave her an understanding of the value of education and the expectation of limitless possibilities ahead.
She remembers her own struggle to complete college at age 40 after beginning years before as a traditional student.
She remembers the wide smiles of her mother and pride of her father as they watched from the audience on the day she received her degree.
She remembers the story of each student graduating and the hours spent together in her classroom or office. She remembers patiently helping each one who faced different obstacles yet overcame them in hope for a successful career.
One lesson from these first days in the DEL cohort that she is striving to incorporate comes from this quote from Jerry Hunt at Texas Tech University who wrote:
The color of leadership is bright orange, the color of leadership research is slate grey.
As a leader, Barbara knows that she wears bright orange, vibrant and standing out for others to see and emulate. As a leadership researcher, she understands the importance of thinking grey, open to new ideas.
Barbara Garner truly models the way for her students. As a lifelong learner, she daily lives out the values she is teaching. She is a teacher — and a student. A leader — and one who follows. And she wears bright orange — and grey.
Barbara, you have no idea what an inspiration you are and can be to so many people in your generation and younger. I am encouraged and further inspired in your journey and know that if most people had the drive you have; most would've give up on life. Granted we all didn't get the early foundation your father laid for you, but we all need to know that learning is life long and we control our destinies. Way to go Barbara
Posted by: valerie francis | November 13, 2009 at 05:08 PM