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CONFERENCE FEATURE
Dr. Sharon Blackman: A BRIEF RESUME (THE CHAIR ACADEMY, 2016) while in college. Tis is an organization that one participates
CAREER PATHWAY in long afer college and it celebrated its 100th anniversary
Over 40 years’ experience in higher education administration, a couple of years ago. Tere have been chapters in every city
program development, counseling, and teaching. in which I have lived and I am grateful for this organization
because it has led me to new and lasting friendships, and I am
CURRENT ROLE able to immerse myself into the African American community
Strategic Learning Consultant – Dallas County Community College District
and the city more quickly than just going alone. I have served
PREVIOUS ENGAGEMENTS on a number of foundation boards, mostly connected to
Provost – Education Affairs Division (Dallas County Community College District) education, but they have ranged from a specifc feld, such as
Chief Retention Offcer – (Dallas County Community College District) Automotive Society of Body Engineers Foundation Board (I
President – Brookhaven College served as Vice President) to a current one, Dodd Education
President – Oakland Community College, Auburn Campus and Support, Inc. (I currently serve as chair) which supports
Dean – Technology and Workforce Development Services – community and economic development in Dallas County.
Oakland Community College Participation on these boards helps me to contribute to eforts
Various administrative positions at Richland College, Youngstown State I believe in, as well as helping me to contribute my talents to
University, Earlham College (Indiana) and Tennessee State University worthwhile eforts. Tey also provide me with more learning
Teaching – Richland College and Earlham College (Ind.) opportunities, as I have a chance to interact with professionals
in various felds.
The demands of our professional lives can easily overwhelm even
matriculate through our institution. We all should be working the most accomplished leaders. Given that we are celebrating your
to help the institution’s vision and mission come to fruition. long-term leadership career, you must have learned to strike a
It’s all about the students! If we keep our students in mind with balance between professional demands and time for other things
everything that we do, it’s the best feeling in the world to see that are important in your life. How do you relax? What is your Zen?
those students achieve their goals.
Anyone who knows me knows that I love the water. My favorite
You have been a longtime supporter of the Chair Academy. vacation is somewhere on a beach! Although I would like to
In what ways has the academy infuenced or contributed to say that I have a yearly vacation on a beach somewhere, I don’t
your leadership development? seem to make it each year. In the meantime, I enjoy reading
The core of the Chair Academy is learning about yourself (material not related to work); I love Jazz music; and I enjoy
from the inside. The Foundation and Advanced academies cultural activities, such as plays, museums, and the like. I
help one identify one’s core strengths and talents and build on belong to book club that is “women only” and this once-a-
these qualities. During my first presidency, my college team month gathering is one that I look forward to and hate to miss.
(cabinet) nominated me for the Exemplary Leadership Award. It’s the one activity where everything is original!
I must admit that was one of the best days in my life when Refecting on this year’s conference, there were numerous
they surprised me with that honor. I had heard about the messages from keynotes and presenters who provided insights into
Academy before from other chairs and they felt it was a very topics related to the idea of enduring leadership and resilience.
rewarding experience. I attend the International Conference What advice would you offer to those who aspire to develop and
each year because I have always found it rejuvenating. It sustain their own leadership careers?
always seems to give me the time to reflect on my work
in higher education. I am able to reflect on my role as a I would say frst and foremost is to learn “who you are.”
leader and how I can improve my leadership. I learn from What are your strengths? Where would you like to see
others sharing good practices and this generates ideas and improvements and what steps do you need to take to make
actions that I can implement at my institution. Having the those improvements? Have you positioned yourself to provide
opportunity to hear from leaders in the leadership field, and the type of leadership you would like to do? Have you stretched
as an advisory board member having time to discuss concepts yourself and stepped out of your comfort zone? You must
with them in a small setting, is most valuable. be comfortable with yourself, but you also need to believe in
others, because you cannot be a leader by yourself.
We are all familiar with the demands placed on senior leaders
external to our direct professional responsibilities. Are there any Sharon, your words have added much value to the scholarship
community or professional organizations to which you contribute of leadership. Your insights contribute to an improved collective
your leadership talents? If so, how do those experiences enrich your understanding of what makes exemplary leaders tick. Thank you
overall leadership journey? again for taking the time to refect with us and share your personal
story. On behalf of the Chair Academy, we wish you continued success
My professional career has led me to live in a number of states. along your life and leadership journey!
One of the ways that I get to learn about the community
is by participating in non-proft and community service References
organizations. In addition, depending on my position, I
participate with chambers of commerce and other focused Te Chair Academy. (2016). Paul A. Elsner Excellence in
organizations. I am a member of an international service Leadership Award Honorees. Retrieved from http://www.
organization – Delta Sigma Teta Sorority, Inc. which I joined chairacademy.com/conference/2016/c16elsner.html
LEADERSHIP Vol. 22.1 Spring/Summer 2016 15
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
Dr. Sharon Blackman: A BRIEF RESUME (THE CHAIR ACADEMY, 2016) while in college. Tis is an organization that one participates
CAREER PATHWAY in long afer college and it celebrated its 100th anniversary
Over 40 years’ experience in higher education administration, a couple of years ago. Tere have been chapters in every city
program development, counseling, and teaching. in which I have lived and I am grateful for this organization
because it has led me to new and lasting friendships, and I am
CURRENT ROLE able to immerse myself into the African American community
Strategic Learning Consultant – Dallas County Community College District
and the city more quickly than just going alone. I have served
PREVIOUS ENGAGEMENTS on a number of foundation boards, mostly connected to
Provost – Education Affairs Division (Dallas County Community College District) education, but they have ranged from a specifc feld, such as
Chief Retention Offcer – (Dallas County Community College District) Automotive Society of Body Engineers Foundation Board (I
President – Brookhaven College served as Vice President) to a current one, Dodd Education
President – Oakland Community College, Auburn Campus and Support, Inc. (I currently serve as chair) which supports
Dean – Technology and Workforce Development Services – community and economic development in Dallas County.
Oakland Community College Participation on these boards helps me to contribute to eforts
Various administrative positions at Richland College, Youngstown State I believe in, as well as helping me to contribute my talents to
University, Earlham College (Indiana) and Tennessee State University worthwhile eforts. Tey also provide me with more learning
Teaching – Richland College and Earlham College (Ind.) opportunities, as I have a chance to interact with professionals
in various felds.
The demands of our professional lives can easily overwhelm even
matriculate through our institution. We all should be working the most accomplished leaders. Given that we are celebrating your
to help the institution’s vision and mission come to fruition. long-term leadership career, you must have learned to strike a
It’s all about the students! If we keep our students in mind with balance between professional demands and time for other things
everything that we do, it’s the best feeling in the world to see that are important in your life. How do you relax? What is your Zen?
those students achieve their goals.
Anyone who knows me knows that I love the water. My favorite
You have been a longtime supporter of the Chair Academy. vacation is somewhere on a beach! Although I would like to
In what ways has the academy infuenced or contributed to say that I have a yearly vacation on a beach somewhere, I don’t
your leadership development? seem to make it each year. In the meantime, I enjoy reading
The core of the Chair Academy is learning about yourself (material not related to work); I love Jazz music; and I enjoy
from the inside. The Foundation and Advanced academies cultural activities, such as plays, museums, and the like. I
help one identify one’s core strengths and talents and build on belong to book club that is “women only” and this once-a-
these qualities. During my first presidency, my college team month gathering is one that I look forward to and hate to miss.
(cabinet) nominated me for the Exemplary Leadership Award. It’s the one activity where everything is original!
I must admit that was one of the best days in my life when Refecting on this year’s conference, there were numerous
they surprised me with that honor. I had heard about the messages from keynotes and presenters who provided insights into
Academy before from other chairs and they felt it was a very topics related to the idea of enduring leadership and resilience.
rewarding experience. I attend the International Conference What advice would you offer to those who aspire to develop and
each year because I have always found it rejuvenating. It sustain their own leadership careers?
always seems to give me the time to reflect on my work
in higher education. I am able to reflect on my role as a I would say frst and foremost is to learn “who you are.”
leader and how I can improve my leadership. I learn from What are your strengths? Where would you like to see
others sharing good practices and this generates ideas and improvements and what steps do you need to take to make
actions that I can implement at my institution. Having the those improvements? Have you positioned yourself to provide
opportunity to hear from leaders in the leadership field, and the type of leadership you would like to do? Have you stretched
as an advisory board member having time to discuss concepts yourself and stepped out of your comfort zone? You must
with them in a small setting, is most valuable. be comfortable with yourself, but you also need to believe in
others, because you cannot be a leader by yourself.
We are all familiar with the demands placed on senior leaders
external to our direct professional responsibilities. Are there any Sharon, your words have added much value to the scholarship
community or professional organizations to which you contribute of leadership. Your insights contribute to an improved collective
your leadership talents? If so, how do those experiences enrich your understanding of what makes exemplary leaders tick. Thank you
overall leadership journey? again for taking the time to refect with us and share your personal
story. On behalf of the Chair Academy, we wish you continued success
My professional career has led me to live in a number of states. along your life and leadership journey!
One of the ways that I get to learn about the community
is by participating in non-proft and community service References
organizations. In addition, depending on my position, I
participate with chambers of commerce and other focused Te Chair Academy. (2016). Paul A. Elsner Excellence in
organizations. I am a member of an international service Leadership Award Honorees. Retrieved from http://www.
organization – Delta Sigma Teta Sorority, Inc. which I joined chairacademy.com/conference/2016/c16elsner.html
LEADERSHIP Vol. 22.1 Spring/Summer 2016 15
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
