Alex DeJarnett
Submission to the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society
Leadership is as concept that is old as the dawn of man. It is universal and inescapable. It is a word that gathers the images of individual courage and strength. The fire brand oration of the steely-eyed statesman who is at a podium in front of a large crowd that is fixated on every word; or the chief executive officer in the board room of some giant of industry commanding the direction of the company for future growth; or in minister delivering a message of hope and peace to a congregation in need of inspiration. Leadership is defined in multiple ways and positions. From the armed forces, to colleges and universities, to impoverished streets of the urban city to the halls of government, if you have a collection of people or organizations, you always have the need for leadership.
The concepts that individuals and organizations must be possessed to lead are broad. There are workings terms that will summarize the base needs. And to further narrow the challenge of the skills that are necessary to become a leader. There are three foundation skills that must be possessed order. Respectively, technical skills is what you study or who do you study. It is the equivalent to the specialization in the academic arena, the primary area were the skills are applied. Conceptual skills are the ability to analyze the situation and generate ideas and possible solutions. And finally, there is a need to have human relations skills that deals with the ability and understanding to work with people and to form, at minimum, a working functional relationship.
My philosophy towards leadership is that is begins with education. Education and training is a necessity to form connections with a wide variety of students and colleagues. It is the empowerment of students through mentoring, reflection, scholarship, support and feedback allows for their personal advancement and as well as departmental programmatic growth. I maintain an “open door” policy to encourage effective communication.
It was through affective mentoring that allowed for my own personal growth. The caring, supportive but firm guidance of a preacher, teacher and a mentor during my high school days gave me exposure to new avenues to learn and to lead. I received a Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science with a minor in History at the University of North Alabama and Masters of Applied Social Science Program with a concentration in Public Administration from Florida A&M University. Currently, I am the Coordinator of Student Services within the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences where I advise first through fourth year professional students.
I hold membership in the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. I believe that scholarship is the primary mission of college, and as an example, I have earned membership in the following: Order of Omega, Phi Eta Sigma, Golden Key, Pi Sigma Alpha and Alpha Kappa Mu honor societies.
The Society of Omicron Delta Kappa has served as an honor to those committed to the art of leadership and its constructive results. But the Society is more than just a certificate on the wall or a line on a resume. The Society the best and brightest minds invested in making our world a better place, one activity at a time, and for that, I take pride in my membership. For 100 years, the mission and scope have expanded to include the highest quality of students and faculty at our colleges and universities across the nation. Omicron Delta Kappa is a movement. It is my desire to continue that movement of long-term growth and recognition to the most deserving students and leaders.