Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles – February 12, 2016
To everyone who responded to my message last week, I’m appreciative that you’ve come forward to share your views. Your honest input will lead us to shared understanding around our roles as stewards of Westchester Community College’s mission. In reading, I heard your heartfelt dedication to your work, your pride in this institution’s many accomplishments, and your anxiety about the way we operate. I also heard some confusion, which may stem from a lack of accurate information. All this supports the importance of our “reset” definition including an obligation to seek and communicate correct information and doing so in a mutually respectful manner.
I embrace Stephen Covey’s principle that we “first seek to understand, then to be understood.” Accordingly, we will approach our future town hall meetings and other venues differently than in the past. Rather than speeches and Q&A, we will engage in real dialogue: intentional back and forth conversations that lead to actionable strategies for meeting our goals. Stay tuned for more on how we will proceed with this more inclusive process.
Our focus on building a better Westchester Community College is deeply rooted in valuing the many committed people who are making a difference every day. This college’s future is built upon your energy, ideas, and daily contributions. We have a lot of work to do and a lot of expertise here to get it done. This is why I have so much confidence in future accomplishments we will achieve that surpass even our greatest attainments of the past.
Thanks for your dedicated service to Westchester Community College and thanks for making it a great week.
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President