Moore and Waggener Named to Leadership Institute

VALDOSTA -- The University System of Georgia Office of Human Resources and Professional Development named two Valdosta State employees Executive Leadership Development Institute (ELI) Scholars.

William “Bill” Moore, assistant director of Information Technology, and Dr. Green T. Waggener, associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, were selected based on their experience, education and leadership potential. The Executive Leadership Institute -- a 100-hour development program -- will enhance their management skills to prepare them for advancement within the system.

Moore’s interest in higher education administration is evident through his educational pursuits -- master’s degrees in higher education leadership and library science -- as well as his participation in university, system and community initiatives. Moore said he is eager to continue to build on 20 years of progressive leadership experience.

“I hope to learn and adopt from better leadership theories and practices provided by both the professional training and the interaction with other USG institutions,” Moore said. “I also intend to gain a more complete and holistic view of how the various parts of the USG institutions work together -- how they impact and support one another.”

Joe Newton, director of Information Technology, said Moore models integrity and accountability, and he always considers the broader context of the higher education environment.

“Moore employs systems thinking -- solving technical problems within the context of the academic environment -- and collaborates effectively with faculty, staff and students,” Newton said. “He demonstrates a student-centric attitude in his interactions with campus constituencies as well as a political awareness in approaching campus leaders and interacting within shared governance structures.”

Waggener’s commitment to higher education is reflected in his passion for learning and desire to improve the status quo. His many interests -- from experiential education to civil engineering -- have provided him with a range of enriching practical and academic experiences. Waggener said he hopes to bring his enthusiasm to the institute and engage in meaningful collaboration with other leaders in the system.

“In a financially challenging economy with fewer resources available, institutions of higher education find themselves competing for fewer and fewer resources for more students, more faculty and improved facilities,” said Waggener, who coordinates the Human Performance Laboratory at VSU. “I hope to gain a clearer understanding of the dynamic of leadership as it applies to the relationships developed between institutions of higher education and the community in the 21st century.”

Dr. Mike Griffin, kinesiology and physical education department head, said Waggener’s intellect and perspective offer him a nice platform for leadership potential.

“Dr. Waggener has a thirst for knowledge and a very diverse background with many interests,” Griffin said. “He seems to always bring a slightly different perspective, while being genuinely interested in change where it is needed.”

A complete list of ELI participants is available at

www.usg.edu/executive_leadership_institute/site/2009-2010_executive_leadership_institute_scholars