Spring 2006
On Feb. 24, President Alexander met with the Leadership Academy students.
When President F. King Alexander arrived for a Leadership Academy workshop on Feb. 24, there was a crowd of students stretching out the door of the Chartroom. President Alexander appeared to be surprised to see the Pacific room packed with students waiting to hear him speak. The Leadership Resource Center staff equipped Alexander with a microphone and videotaped the presentation for the O’Dell Leadership Library and the Leadership Academy Web site.
President Alexander’s introduction by Matthew Palmer provided the students with a brief synopsis of Alexander’s extensive qualifications and experience. Some of the students were not aware Alexander received his master’s degree from the University of Oxford and his Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. In addition to his previous service as the president of Murray State University in Kentucky, Alexander is considered an expert in higher education finance and public policy.
President Alexander
After the introduction, Alexander reflected on his higher education leadership experiences. Alexander confessed that the thing he missed most, with respect to higher education, was actually teaching class. He addressed timely topics such as the new generation of leaders, benefits of a graduate education and the outlook for career opportunities in coming years. Alexander concluded the time with the students by fielding questions. After a photo opportunity, Alexander bid farewell and returned to his duties as president of California State University, Long Beach.
The LRC staff applauds President Alexander for taking the time to connect with Leadership Academy students. It is no surprise that the workshop was such a success. —Matthew Palmer is a student employee in the Lois J. Swanson Leadership Resource Center.
