The Joys of Leadership

I just said my goodbyes to a group of academic officials from Saint Petersburg, Russia. They were here at Indiana State University to observe some of our distance education methods. I had a wonderful time showing them the methods and tools we use to deliver advanced content to students all around the world. I was also told that all of the members of the delegation were ISA Members.

That started me thinking about my experiences with ISA and how leadership in this Society has enriched my life. Where else is a guy like me--born in Kentucky, raised in Illinois, and is now an Indiana “Hoosier”--afforded the opportunity to meet so many interesting and knowledgeable people?

Every ISA meeting that I attend is a new and exciting experience for me. I get to chat with experts in many different and “cutting edge” areas. One day a discussion on SmartGrid may dominate my focus while another may include chats on “wireless to new controller” principles. For a person who has dedicated his career to knowledge transfer, this is like being a child in a candy store.

Our Society is heading into a very important time period. ISA will be conducting what are known as DLC’s. The DLC, or District Leadership Conference, is a short one- or two-day meeting for present, past, and future ISA leaders.

The DLC is a chance for past leaders to impart their acquired knowledge and experience to the new leadership. This is a great time for mentoring the leaders of today and tomorrow. Present and future leaders have the opportunity to learn about this great association. They will learn about the inner workings of ISA: how to plan and run Section meetings, where to find information and resources that may be helpful to the local section, how to publish a newsletter, how to promote teambuilding, ways to support student sections, and much more.

The DLC is an opportunity to network with other Society leaders. You can learn from the mistakes and problems encountered by others.

So, my message to each of you reading this Blog: Try to attend a DLC this year. In these tough times, it may be difficult for you to attend, so lend support to those leaders who have honored the call to help move ISA forward into the future.

I hope to see you at a DLC soon.

Jerry

Walt Bajek - 1975 ISA President

I received some sad news this week. Walt Bajek, the 1975 ISA President, passed away. Being from District 6, I had the fortunate opportunity to know and work with Walt for many years. He was probably one of the first Society leaders, and through his fierce dedication to this Society, he drew me to being an active ISA leader. I will forever be indebted to him for that. Walt has to be among my group of most cherished mentors.

Walt Bajek was an interesting fellow. He never hesitated to speak up at meetings with his position or opinion about things being done for ISA. He was a direct sort of person. He rarely parsed his words but would come right out and tell you face-to-face that you might want to rethink your position. As a long time college professor, I greatly appreciate that characteristic in people. So many times, issues or problems are based in spin to a point where the actual solution can never be reached. Walt was not a spinner.

Walt Bajek was a highly dedicated ISA Member. No matter where the meeting was held, he would always be in attendance. Even in his last years, he would always be at ISA functions. I had the opportunity to speak to a Chicago and Will-Dupage Section meeting recently. My sincere hope was that Walt would be in attendance. One of the Members mentioned that Walt was not doing well and that he would be unable to attend. After hearing that, I had a few moments to myself to remember Walt and what he meant to me. I am thankful for my memories of Walt Bajek.

I know Walt is looking down on us. He is watching that we continue to move the Society that he loved forward into the future. Walt Bajek holds a special place in my heart. As I continue my time as president, I hope that everything that I do this year reflects well on those that came before me, especially Walt Bajek.

May he rest in peace!

Jerry Cockrell