Leadership

There is no simple guide to becoming a good leader. The best leaders are those people who exhibit extraordinary performance and realistic goals to achieve these results. Critical to excellent leadership is recognizing not only what one knows, but also what one needs to learn. In addition openness and a passion for learning is needed to stay on top of new developments. This is accomplished by constant engagement in effective communication and dialogue with all stakeholders (e.g., team members, peers, advisors, customers, consultants, and even your competitors). If a leader is open to new ideas, insight and revelations this can lead to more effective methods of accomplishing the intended goals. In essence leadership is not just about the creation of a great vision, it is about the creation of an effective environment. One that encourages excellent communication and feedback, and provides conditions, which allow and encourage everyone involved to perform their duties effectively towards the intended goal.

 

Testimonials from Students and Colleagues

"The TECS program has had a very positive influence in my life, especially in developing my multimedia and professional skills. Without the TECS program, I have no doubts in my mind that my work and skills would not be at the level that it is now. The program empowers students to excel in their studies, their work (graphic design, video, photo, etc...), and to become true professionals in their field.

On a personal note, Debra has been a wonderful supervisor and boss. She has worked very hard to develop the TECS program and develop new opportunities for faculty, students, and higher learning in general. Debra has always looked out for her students, doing whatever she can to assist us with our duties, and answer any questions that we have about projects. Debra has developed good connections with faculty across campus, and therefore is able to fully utilize all available resources on campus.

I would highly recommend Debra because of her enthusiasm for online learning, her compassion for her employees, and her positive attitude."

Christopher Clements
TECS student employee
Bowling Green State University


"I've only worked at TECS and with Debra for a few months, however I can easily say it was the best job of my life and perhaps one of the most beneficial experiences I've ever had. The best way to explain how I feel about what the TECS program was under Debra would be like this:

TECS was like this ecclectic group of creative people. We had graphic design artists, Video, web design, tech people, art people, etc. We all learned from one another, we all helped one another. It was like the definition of synergy and cooperation. Now, at the top of this group, you have Debra and they're probably couldn't really have been a better fit. She offered a great deal of knowledge, expertise, and a solid support system. She was encouraging of us as employees to really strive to learn as much as we could about the creative process and to grow in the field. I don't think I could possibly imagine a better person to coordinate any sort of creative endeavor than Debra."

Steve Hildreth
TECS student employee
Bowing Green State University


"Your direction and supervision of your employees and the TECS program ensured that our video project was completed on time and with quality. My director, and colleges were impressed with the final version of the Intra-College Transfer Video, which highlighted important policies and requirements for students transferring into the College of Education and Human Development. The video will ensure that all incoming intra-college transfer students will receive accurate information about our college.

On behalf of the office of Student and Academic Services (College of Education and Human Development) we wish you the best in your future endeavors. I am sure your managerial skills, professionalism, and vibrant personality will be a wonderful asset to your new employer just as it has been for Bowling Green State University.

It has been a pleasure working with you."

Greg Dickerson
Academic Advisor College of Education and Human Development
Bowling Green State University


"Debra, thanks to you, your group has done an amazing job in helping us develop professional DVD's to recruit quality students."

Nora Cassidy
Center for Photochemical Sciences
Bowling Green State University

 

"My time working with TECS was a fantastic experience. The idea of placing students in a position to influence the curriculum of a University is a very empowering feeling. Through TECS, I was able to learn a great deal about how to delegate responsibility, manage my time, work with colleagues towards a common goal, and how to be progressive in how I approached a communications problem. I had worked with the Bowling Green State University TECS program for about a year before Debra had arrived. My first impression of Debra was that she was going to vastly improve the quality and look of how the TECS program was perceived across campus. The reality is that she did much more than that. She was able to provide the feedback necessary to students to improve their quality of work in a constructive and forward-thinking manner. It is often difficult at a large University to make an impact on student's lives. Sometimes it seems as if a students college experience is nothing more than a race to the finish line. However, after working with TECS and Debra, I can honestly say that my time spent working within the program has helped shape who I am as a person, and how I conduct myself in my professional life. Currently, I am employed at Ashland University, and my belief in the concept of a TECS program has helped me to establish a similar program here. It is essential to the success of students to have one-on-one experiences in dealing with clients. Understanding that having empathy and respect towards a professor's technology-related issue is vital to building a productive and mutually beneficial relationship. Debra was able to bring a great deal of experience to Bowling Green. Her knowledge of business, what it takes to grow a program into maturity, combined with her background in instructional design, were just some of her amazing attributes. Throughout my own personal working experience, I have encountered many different management styles, and I have modeled the way I manage students and fellow colleagues after Debra and her supervisor, Kevin. It wasn't that I was afraid of being reprimanded by Debra if I didn't perform to a task, it was more that I truly did not want to disappoint her; that's the level of respect that I have for her. I am very fortunate to have worked with Debra Beach, and I trust that she will continue to impact student's lives and establish cultures of creativity and professionalism."

Steve Kaufman
Educational Technology Specialist
Ashland University


"Debra has always been ready and willing to help and she speaks in language I can understand. I've appreciated her patience and the way she will repeat directions, demonstrations and write steps down for me since I probably won't remember them after I've left her office. I have really appreciated how Debra is up-to-the-minute on new applications or new versions of applications. I particularly appreciate her introducing me to ProfCast and helping me learn how to use it."

Linda Mandlebaum
Associate Professor School of Intervention Services
Bowling Green State University