On Wednesday, October 28th, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, the Myrlie Evers-Williams (MEW) Honors Program and Student Support Services (SSS) presented “Cultivating Leaders for a Changing World” with speaker Dr. Pernell H. Goodwin in the JD Boyd Library Medger Evers Auditorium.
Dr. Wandra Arrington, Director of MEW Honors Program, opened the event. Following her remarks, Antione Johnson, Jr., a Junior Computer Networking and Information Systems major and Student Government Association (SGA) 2nd Vice President, did the welcoming for the occasion. Next, Avantavis Carter, a Senior Elementary Education major and the 68th SGA President, introduced the Keynote speaker.
Dr. Goodwin, Vice President of Copiah-Lincoln Community College at the Natchez Campus, took the stage and shared how his life experiences shaped his leadership journey. His mantra in life is L.E.A.D. “L” is for listening, “E” is for empowering, “A” is for adapt, and “D” is for development. He stated, “Leadership is never a finished product; it’s always in practice.”
After speaking, the floor was opened to ask questions of Dr. Goodwin about his journey to being a leader. His responses were about how he learned from situations that pushed him into roles where he was responsible for others. He noted that what helps are “the tools that you need as a follower are the same tools that you need as a leader.”
To close the event, Dr. Arrington gave Dr. Goodwin a plaque to show him her gratitude for coming and speaking. Each student on the panel received a certificate.