Cougar Cry
WCC Leaders
By Kella Adams
What makes an effective leader? Is good lead
ership vital for something or someone to be suc
cessful? WCC has very effective leaders. I have
had the thrilling opportunity to spend time with
the WCC president, Dr. Gordon Burns, along with
the dean of Instruction, Dr. Walt Piexico, the
dean of development, “B”. Townes, the dean of
student services, Larry Caudiil, and Larry’s suc
cessor, Dr. Dean Sprlnlle.
Dr. Gordon Buma is a very
professional and dedicated
man who Is also very
friendly and easy-going. Dr.
Burns believes that in order
to be a good leader, your
group needs to reach a shared vision. Dr. Burns
creates an atmosphere that makes his employ
ees feel satisfied and fulfilled. Therefore, the
staff at WCC Is very productive and diligent.
Furthermore, to be a great leader one also needs
to have good listening skills and openly recog
nize people and their achievements. Dr. Burns
feels It Is extremely important to be your own
person and let your unique personality shine
through!
“B” Townes exudes a very gentle, peaceful,
caring, and pro-active per
sonality. IMr. Townes feels
that in order to be a great
leader, one needs to keep a
cool head and to try to be
as stress free as possible. Mr. Townes’ favorite
book Is written by Stephen Covey which informs
Its readers what 7 traits of highly effective peo
ple are. These seven traits are: to be pro-active,
reach a shared vision, to prioritize, think WINi!
WIN!, think first to understand then to be under
stood, to synergize, to make sure one has been
heard and to understand someone’s paradigm.
According to IMr. Townes’ paradigm, another
key Ingredient In the recipe of leadership Is to
gain trust within oneself and others.
Dr. Wa/t Ploxleo holds a
bachelors degree In psychol
ogy, a doctorate in higher
education. Is advisor of
Rotaract, and has served 26
years in the army reserve.
The first thing Dr. Plexico stated was to “think
outside of the box.” He continued to state that