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CONFERENCE FEATURE
WHAT MAKES THIS LEADER TICK?
2016 PAUL A. ELSNER
INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE
IN LEADERSHIP
DR. SHARON
BLACKMAN A CONVERSATION WITH
LIFETIME WORK
DR. SHARON BLACKMAN
OF LEADERSHIP
AWARD RECIPIENT
By Lech Krzywonos, member of the Leadership Editorial Board
Recipients of the Paul A. Elsner Excellence in Leadership insight into the depth of her character and her motivations
Award share some common qualities. They all demonstrate a to continue along this fascinating path. My conversation with
lifelong passion for leadership and bringing to life the mission Sharon also reveals lessons we may consider in our own
of their respective institutions. These individuals have also leadership development. Let’s meet Dr. Sharon Blackman.
exhibited resilience in masterfully navigating their respective Sharon, frst of all, congratulations for this recognition and celebration of
institutions through times of challenge and opportunity over your accomplished leadership journey. Also, thank you for taking the time
decades of service. to share with us some of your insights on leadership, our colleges, and
Dr. Sharon Blackman, one of two 2016 recipients of this your perspectives on life balance and enduring leadership.
recognition, has certainly accumulated an impressive resume It is always fascinating to learn how life experiences can shape
of leadership experience. Having served in progressive our professional journey. Is there a story of an experience that has
leadership roles for over 40 years, she is currently serving infuenced your professional path?
as a Strategic Learning Consultant for the Dallas County
Community College District (DCCCD). Her professional Early in my career I worked in the Continuing Education Ofce
accomplishments and positions are well documented, at Tennessee State University. My responsibilities included
however, what may be lesser known to the wider audience scheduling general education and workforce classes in the
is who Sharon Blackman is and what makes her tick? What county south of Nashville. During that time I met a lady who
motivates her to continue along this journey? What sustains did not have a high school diploma but wanted an education.
her energy? And how does an aspiring leader learn from her She worked on a dairy farm, which meant she began the day
advice to shape his or her own leadership journey? very early in the morning. By mid-afernoon she had worked
more than a full day. Although she had a family, she made the
I recently had the privilege to meet with Sharon and explore time to come to class to earn her degree. It was not easy, as
some of these questions. Her refections give us a rare this efort was not positively viewed by her employer. Seeing
LEADERSHIP Vol. 22.1 Spring/Summer 2016 13
Client: The Chair Academy Job: Leadership_Journal_22.1 SPRING/SUMMER 2016 Final size: 8.5” x 11” Colors: CMYK Bleeds: Yes
Created by: Goldfsh Creative - Laura Dvir • 602.349.2220 • goldfshcreates@q.com
WHAT MAKES THIS LEADER TICK?
2016 PAUL A. ELSNER
INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE
IN LEADERSHIP
DR. SHARON
BLACKMAN A CONVERSATION WITH
LIFETIME WORK
DR. SHARON BLACKMAN
OF LEADERSHIP
AWARD RECIPIENT
By Lech Krzywonos, member of the Leadership Editorial Board
Recipients of the Paul A. Elsner Excellence in Leadership insight into the depth of her character and her motivations
Award share some common qualities. They all demonstrate a to continue along this fascinating path. My conversation with
lifelong passion for leadership and bringing to life the mission Sharon also reveals lessons we may consider in our own
of their respective institutions. These individuals have also leadership development. Let’s meet Dr. Sharon Blackman.
exhibited resilience in masterfully navigating their respective Sharon, frst of all, congratulations for this recognition and celebration of
institutions through times of challenge and opportunity over your accomplished leadership journey. Also, thank you for taking the time
decades of service. to share with us some of your insights on leadership, our colleges, and
Dr. Sharon Blackman, one of two 2016 recipients of this your perspectives on life balance and enduring leadership.
recognition, has certainly accumulated an impressive resume It is always fascinating to learn how life experiences can shape
of leadership experience. Having served in progressive our professional journey. Is there a story of an experience that has
leadership roles for over 40 years, she is currently serving infuenced your professional path?
as a Strategic Learning Consultant for the Dallas County
Community College District (DCCCD). Her professional Early in my career I worked in the Continuing Education Ofce
accomplishments and positions are well documented, at Tennessee State University. My responsibilities included
however, what may be lesser known to the wider audience scheduling general education and workforce classes in the
is who Sharon Blackman is and what makes her tick? What county south of Nashville. During that time I met a lady who
motivates her to continue along this journey? What sustains did not have a high school diploma but wanted an education.
her energy? And how does an aspiring leader learn from her She worked on a dairy farm, which meant she began the day
advice to shape his or her own leadership journey? very early in the morning. By mid-afernoon she had worked
more than a full day. Although she had a family, she made the
I recently had the privilege to meet with Sharon and explore time to come to class to earn her degree. It was not easy, as
some of these questions. Her refections give us a rare this efort was not positively viewed by her employer. Seeing
LEADERSHIP Vol. 22.1 Spring/Summer 2016 13
Client: The Chair Academy Job: Leadership_Journal_22.1 SPRING/SUMMER 2016 Final size: 8.5” x 11” Colors: CMYK Bleeds: Yes
Created by: Goldfsh Creative - Laura Dvir • 602.349.2220 • goldfshcreates@q.com
