The end of the spring semester saw Bush School students recognized for their extra efforts in leadership and writing development. On April 22, Dean Crocker, along with Professors Joe Cerami, Larry Napper, and Bill West; lecturer Sally Dee Wade; and leadership and writing portfolio program assistants, Holly Kasperbauer and Kara Socol, presented awards for the Writing Portfolio Project and the Dean’s Certificate in Leadership. This year, more students than ever completed both programs, with seventy-nine students receiving leadership certificates and forty-two being recognized for the writing portfolio project. The students will graduate in May after completing the Master of Public Service and Administration or Master of International Affairs.
Students in the leadership development project each created an individual leadership plan that examined their personal vision, values, knowledge, skills, and professional attributes. Using the results of that self-evaluation and what they learned in workshops and individual leadership coaching sessions, they demonstrated their commitment to leadership development by taking part in public service leadership projects. This program is led by Col. Joe Cerami along with Holly Kasperbauer.
Sally Dee Wade worked to improve students’ writing and critical evaluation skills as they developed individual and group writing abilities and editing skills. The students also created a portfolio of writing samples that will be useful as they seek employment after graduation. Wade noted that for the first time, all the students who began the writing portfolio project completed it this year.
Robby Smith, a soon-to-be MPSA graduate, said she really enjoyed the opportunities for gaining critical knowledge and skills offered by these two initiatives in addition to the more traditional classroom education. “Developing character qualities and enhancing technical skills help us all to be more prepared for the careers we aspire to and also make us more competitive in the job market,” she said.
Dean Crocker congratulated the students on doing the extra work that increased their writing and leadership skills. “It’s not a coincidence that Texas A&M is consistently ranked amongst the top two schools for students’ commitment to public service and as an institution whose graduates are highly sought after,” he said. “The Bush School is certainly a leader in this area.”
Crocker added that as Bush School graduates, expectations will be high; and he encouraged the students to stay in touch. “Let us hear from you as your careers progress and you rise to the top of your chosen professions,” he said.
