Interim president Zerrie Campbell shares her goals for campus.
Kurt Oberreither
– Staff Writer –
Interim President Zerrie Campbell’s term at STLCC-Meramec has reached the halfway mark, but she said the glass is half full.
When classes resume in fall of 2011, a different face will be behind the president’s desk. Meanwhile, Campbell is determined to make the most of her time at Meramec. Campbell said she is very satisfied with how she has been perceived, and she looks forward to what the spring has to offer.
“Last semester was a really positive, stimulating experience as I got to know many people,” Campbell said. “It’s been a very fulfilling fall.”
Throughout the semester, Campbell has spent lunchtime in the cafeteria. She said the cafeteria has been a forum for her to touch base with students, faculty and staff, and to enjoy a bite to eat.
“The activity level and the energy level at Meramec is invigorating,” Campbell said.
From basketball games and chili cook-offs to work on important initiatives, Campbell said she has enjoyed supporting faculty, staff and students.
“There have been efforts and attempts from all constituencies to understand, to communicate, to engage and to exchange ideas even if we don’t agree,” Campbell said.
Campbell said commencement is an exciting part of the spring semester and she is charged up about college-wide initiatives and challenges.
“I’m looking forward to continuing the dialogue on Achieving the Dream with the rest of the college to identify strategies that we’re going to experiment with and improving the opportunity for folks to learn,” Campbell said.
Another issue Campbell said she is anxious to attend to is the 2012 fiscal year’s budget concerns. “I’m looking forward to settling that because right now people are unsettled,” Campbell said. “We’ve got some decisions to make on how we’re going to address the budget struggle and that’s as a college.”
Campbell suggests to the future president that the key to a “successful engagement“ in any leadership position is communication.
“Always keep the lines of communication open no matter who the constituents are. Always be accessible to provide clarification,” Campbell said. “That’s more important than anything.”
Campbell said clarification is another equally important aspect of leadership.
“I have found that when people understand the context, we understand the attendant issues. It kind of helps melt away any natural suspicions that occur or questions about people’s motives, and once you establish that as a course of action, then people don’t waste time deciding if they’re going to believe you or not.”
Prior to her time at STLCC, Campbell was on the move traveling on cruise ships. Although she said she looks forward to continuing her travels, Campbell said she is anticipating a new start and more opportunities to improve higher education at Meramec.
“I’m excited at seeing Meramec come alive in the spring,” Campbell said.
