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DR. RICHARD STRAND

Displayed on the wall just outside my Our commitment today remains much as I suspect it was
ofce is a framed frst edition copy of two decades ago—to provide a credible, relevant, and
Leadership. While no date appears on engaging platform that serves to highlight best practices,
its cover, or anywhere inside for that share ideas, invite commentary, and enlighten leaders across
matter, it is clear from our research that the increasingly challenging landscape of post-secondary
the initial publication date was around education. Te enterprise of education is far too complex
the fall of 1994. Te second edition came for any one of us to believe we have or know it all. Learning
soon thereafer in the winter of 1995. from and leveraging the experience of other able practitioners
Over the past 20 years, some 55 editions remains a core belief and principle of Leadership.
have made it into print. It is a feat Over the past several months we have been on a steep learning
worthy of celebration. curve as we sought to assemble, read, highlight, and make note
Te frst attempt to put forth a national publication from our of the content that has flled the pages of all 55 editions. We
ofces in Mesa, Arizona actually came three years earlier, reached out to former editors, editorial board members, staf,
in the form of an Academy Newsletter that appears to have friends, and colleagues. It was an arduous task that consumed
doubled as a conference handout in March, 1992. In each case, many hours. It was a joyful process, one that enriched our soul
both the initial newsletter and the pilot edition of the journal and refreshed our sense of purpose.
were distributed in print form to an estimated 600-1,000 We invite you to take a trip down memory lane as we review
recipients across North America. In the years that followed, and highlight the many images and themes that have been
Leadership grew up and certainly out, as print and online our history. We ask you to contemplate what is yet to come.
versions came to reach an estimated 30,000 recipients. Nothing stays the same, nothing remains constant; death and
Tere is no actual record of what frst motivated my taxes aside, nothing is certain. I know not what Leadership
predecessor, the legendary Dr. Gary Filan, to commit to will look like when it comes time to celebrate our 30th,
publishing a glossy periodical. In his own words appearing 40th, or 50th anniversary. I do predict that given the strong
in that frst edition, the publication stemmed from an “Aha!” commitment of our organization and the depth and breadth of
moment. Who knew that moment would lead us on a journey the talent represented on our staf and Editorial Board, there
that is now celebrating its 20th anniversary? is no shortage of energy and ideas to build on a pattern of
Te resources necessary to assemble, review, edit, print, and excellence that has been established by those who preceded us.
distribute any kind of credible publication are signifcant; One special note: in all 20 years, there is only one individual
even more so as you work to extend your reach from your own who has been a constant presence in Leadership’s life. His
neighborhood to the community-at-large, state, nation, and/ name has appeared in print as author or co-author on
or the world. But as reported in the pages that follow, this has numerous occasions and he has been listed as a member of our
not been a solo endeavor. Hundreds of articles, and even a distinguished Editorial Board for all 55, soon to be 56, editions.
greater number of contributing authors, have sought or served As such, on behalf of the entire staf, I extend a heartfelt
to inform, enlighten, excite, and in some cases simply entertain thank you to Dr. Al Seagren, Professor Emeritus, Educational
us. And at the center of it all there has been a thoroughly Administration (retired), University of Nebraska, Lincoln,
dedicated team of editors, staf members, and editorial board Nebraska. Al, you represent the heart and soul of Leadership
members—each of whom we have sought to recognize in some and we are proud to have you at our side.
form or fashion in this commemorative edition.

LEADERSHIP Vol. 21.2 Fall 2015 3

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