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EXPERIENCED LEADER TAKES THEREIGNS OF WC’S NEW BAAS INORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIPby Rick Mauch & Crystal WoerlyIt turns out it’s not that far from Washington state to Texas,especially if you take the road of success.Dr. Philip Mathew took that road to Weatherford College, wherehe became director of the institution’s new Bachelor of AppliedArts and Sciences program in Organizational Leadership in earlyApril. He comes to WC after having launched a similar programat Olympic College, justoutside of Seattle.“Helping start the BAAS inOrganizational Leadershipand Technical Managementfor Olympic College in2015 has been one of thehighlights of my career,”Mathew said. “It was a great opportunity to serve the students andcommunity in our region as it opened up a pathway for studentswho have professional/technical backgrounds to continue theirstudies at the bachelor’s level.”Mathew said that adding a two-year management and leadershiptrack on top of a two-year degree serves as the perfect complementto students’ technical education and professional expertise.“Many of our graduates received new jobs and promotions whilein the bachelor’s program or soon after graduation. Many of themwere first-generation college graduates,” he said. “The degree, alongwith their initiative and hard work, opened up new doors andopportunities they never thought possible. Several of them went onto earn master’s degrees, and one student was recently accepted to adoctoral program. It has been wonderful to see the transformativepower of education.”6 THE HILLTOP Summer 2021OC’s bachelor’s program has enjoyed tremendous success, witheight cohorts since its inception, along with a more than 90 percentretention rate.Starting a new bachelor’s degree program is a team effort.“You can’t do it alone,” Mathew said. “You must have visiblesupport from the very top of the college, including the president,board of trustees and administration. Furthermore, you need thesupport of the deans,faculty, staff, studentsand community. Allof these are clearly inplace at WeatherfordCollege, which makesme excited to embracethis opportunity.”Mathew alsorecently released a book on servant leadership titled “GlobalServant-Leadership: Wisdom, Love and Legitimate Power in theAge of Chaos,” published through Lexington Press.“I served as first editor and contributor along with my wonderfulcolleagues. The book features international perspectives on servantleadership through a series of case studies, cutting edge researchand essays from more than two dozen contributors from a numberof countries and contexts, including Brazil, Canada, China, India,Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Turkey, South Africa, Spain andthe Ktunaxa Nation in the United States,” Mathew said.Mathew earned his Ph.D. in leadership studies from GonzagaUniversity. His dissertation investigating the resilience and leadershipthrough an analysis of the life of Holocaust survivor Dr. ViktorFrankl is now in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.continues with BAAS on page 11.

2020-21 ATHLETICSEASON IN REVIEWOne of the most successful athleticseasons in Weatherford College historywrapped up at the College National FinalsRodeo in Casper, Wyoming, in June.The WC women’s rodeo team finishedfifth in the nation, ahead of manytraditional powerhouses like the Universityof Wyoming, Oklahoma State University,Tarleton State University and Texas TechUniversity. Kodey Hoss brought homefourth place in goat tying and Bradi Goodfinished fifth in barrel racing.Fans of the Lady Coyote basketball teamenjoyed an exciting week in April as WCstormed through the conference postseasontournament to take the championship,winning all three tourney games as a roadunderdog. A buzzer-beater by South PlainsCollege in the Region V championship gamewas all that stood between Weatherford (168) and the national tournament.The WC baseball team also played therole of spoiler, beating perennial contenderHoward College on their home field inthe Region V Tournament. The Coyotesfinished with one of their best overallrecords in history, 37-20, and took secondin conference, behind eventual nationalchampion McLennan Community College.New artificial turf being added this summerto Roger Williams Ballpark will help analready salty team in recruiting.The Coyote softball team, playing onStuart Field artificial turf for the first time,finished with an overall record of 27-22.Head coach Haylee Williams surpassedthe 300-win mark and WC advancedto the semifinals of the Region V-NorthTournament.Longtime men’s basketball coach MarkOsina announced his retirement after 25years at WC. Osina’s teams won 442 gamesduring his run at Weatherford College.In preparation for its two newest sports,men’s golf and women’s tennis, the collegehired former professional golfer Jesse Speirsand former Georgia State University headwomen’s tennis coach Alex Leatu. Thosetwo programs will begin this fall.Dusty Benthall was promoted to deputychief at Mineral Wells Fire Department.certification. He will begin teaching atGordon ISD as the ag science teacher.Jaran Floyd (‘18) was named the 2021Officer of the Year for the Kerrville FireDepartment.Monica Hartman (‘21) and AngelaTubbleville (’20) were recently hired ascase specialists at Weatherford HousingAuthority.Travis McClure was announced as theParker County American Legion Post163’s Police Officer of the Year for 2020.Michael Hanson (‘18) graduated fromTarleton State University in May with abachelor’s degree in agriculture servicesand development with a teachingKayla Martin-Miles (‘14) is a professionalhorse trainer and manages her own horsetraining business, Miles Legacy Ranchbased in Perrin.For more information, go to wcathletics.com.Reese Oxner (‘17) recently accepteda position at the Texas Tribune as abreaking news reporter.Morgan Patton (‘19) was acceptedinto Texas A&M’s College of VeterinaryMedicine and Biomedical Sciences.THE HILLTOP Summer 2021 7

WEATHERFORD COLLEGEAROUND CAMPUS1.3.4.2.5.1. Sharon Hayes was honored as the WC Alumna of the Year inApril at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center. Dan Carney wasalso recognized during the ceremony as a Distinguished Alumnusalong with Jessica Cundiff who could not attend the event. Hayesretired from the city of Weatherford after a 34-year career thatculminated with her serving as the city manager.2. Dozens of area youth participated in the WC Summer Stageproduction of Disney’s Moana Jr. this June in the Alkek Fine ArtsCenter. After only two weeks of preparation, the cast and crew presentedthe hour-long musical to delight crowds over four performances.3. WC Upward Bound students joined forces with Kids AgainstHunger Parker County and Grace Presbyterian Church in April to8 THE HILLTOP Summer 2021assemble more than 11,000 meals for an orphanage in Mexico. Thisis the fourth year the Upward Bound program has participated inthis event as a way to perpetuate a culture of giving back.4. WC President Tod Allen Farmer and Tarleton State UniversityPresident James Hurley signed a memorandum of understandingin April further solidifying the partnership between the two highereducation institutions and providing additional financial aid toWeatherford students transferring to the Stephenville university.5. The best and brightest WC students from each subjectand program were recognized in early May during the annualConvocation Ceremony.

6.7.8.6. Imperial Construction hosted a beam signing ceremony inMay. At the construction site of the Emerging Technologies andWorkforce Building. Pictured are Dr. Philip Mathew, programdirector for the BAAS in Organizational Leadership; JessicaMcKee, workforce education director; Valerie Hopkins, directorof cosmetology; and Janetta Kruse, dean of workforce education.7. President Farmer joined Steinway and Sons CEO Ron Losbyat an institutional conference in New York City in May. PresidentFarmer was invited to speak to colleges and universities from acrossthe country about WC’s successful All-Steinway initiative and howSpirio r technology is helping WC connect with musicians aroundthe world.9.8. WC’s TRiO program hosted a robotics class which included afield trip to the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston in Junewhere students were able to learn more about potential careers.9. Students in WC’s Phi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honorsociety and WC’s Student Government Association volunteered atthe Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter in April. They alsocollected much-needed items like blankets, towels, toys, treats, anddog and cat food to benefit the shelter.THE HILLTOP Summer 2021 9

Q&AWITH NEW BOARD MEMBERThe Weatherford College Board of Trustees appointed Doug Dowd to the board on May 28.DOUG DOWDFAMILY: I have been married to my wife, Kristy Dowd, for 18 years. We have three children–Kaden(15), Isaiah (13) and Emma (9). We also have three dogs, chickens, fish, a rabbit and a tortoise.CAREER BACKGROUND: I have been in the commercial banking industry for 13 years. I havebeen employed at Plains Capital Bank for the last six years. I attended Tarleton State Universityand graduated in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in business management.MOTIVATION TO SERVE: My motivation to serve is rooted in the teachings and example ofJesus Christ. Serving others requires sacrificing time, energy and many other resources, but thereward is so much greater. I believe a great servant does so with humility and without expectinganything in return.WC’S GREATEST OPPORTUNITY IN THE FUTURE: I believe WC’s greatest opportunityin the future is the continued expansion of our course offerings, which will ensure that WC is apreferred destination for future college students. I also believe that continuing to provide students a cost-effective way to obtain theircore college courses will help to keep WC among the very best community colleges in Texas. In addition, our dual credit and eLearningclasses offer alternative ways for students to accelerate their postsecondary education.GREATEST CHALLENGES FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES LIKE WC: The greatest challenge for community colleges likeWC is continuing to attract and retain quality instructors who are able to find new and creative ways to challenge their students in theclassroom. I believe what has always set WC apart from other community colleges is the quality of instruction students can expect toreceive, which helps them to build a strong foundation for future success.GREATEST PASSION: My greatest passion is serving in my church, North Side Baptist Church, as well as spending time with mywife, Kristy. Our primary role as parents is to ensure that our children grow into responsible young adults who also have a desire to serveothers. There is no greater joy in my life than my family.WC FOUNDATION NEWS1.2.3.The Weatherford College Foundation continues to celebrate the generosity of its donors, including 1) the Herbert G. FeldmanCharitable Foundation, through the direction of Debbie Alexander (pictured with President Farmer), which has surpassed 90,000in gifts to the foundation, 2) the Parker County Women’s and Newcomers Club (Scholarship Committee members pictured withWCF President Bob Glenn), which has surpassed 100,000 in giving to its scholarship fund, and 3) the Rotary Club of Weatherford,which established their new Centennial Scholarship in celebration of the club’s 100th year.10 THE HILLTOP Summer 2021

WC HIRES LEATU AS WOMEN’S TENNIS COACHAlex Leatu is officiallyWeatherford College’s newwomen’s tennis coach, and she’sready to create the team from theground up.“I’m here to create a teamthat loves like a family, workslike a championship dependson every detail, representingWeatherford College proudly, onevery occasion,” she said.Leatu served as head coach forthe NCAA Division I program atGeorgia State University from June 2018 through this past April.Before that, she coached at the University of New Haven.“I didn’t plan to leave Georgia State and coaching a DI program,but when this opportunity at Weatherford College knocked onmy door, I knew it was time to move on,” Leatu said. “I couldn’tlet it pass me by.”Before her coaching career, Leatu played collegiate tennis atboth Baylor University and Vanderbilt University.BAAS from page 6.He also holds a master’s degree incounseling and a certificate in leadershipand negotiation from Harvard Law School’sProgram on Negotiation.Before his work at Olympic College, hewas a lecturer in Whitworth University’sbachelor’s program in psychology andmaster’s program in counseling. He alsoworked as a licensed mental health therapistin Washington state. In addition, he is amember of the editorial review board for theInternational Journal of Servant-Leadershipand the Journal of Leadership Studies,where he regularly reviews and evaluatesacademic journal articles before publication.Mathew is no stranger to North Texas,as he has family in Fort Worth andCarrollton. He was raised in the PacificNorthwest and jokingly said he’s happy toget to a place where the climate is a “bitdrier.” The friendly folks in the south andWC’s long tradition of success were alsofactors in the move.Her tennis career began at age 8. She ranked in the top ten inthe USTA 14, 16 and 18 and under divisions, won three nationaltitles in singles and three in doubles, two silver balls in USTAdoubles play and a bronze ball in USTA singles. Leatu also wontwo ITF Grade 3 tournaments.While at Vanderbilt, Leatu earned Second Team All-SEC honorsand was named to the SEC All-Tournament team. She playednumber one singles and number one doubles as a freshman andranked as a top 75 player by the ITA.She then transferred to Baylor University, where she was a threetime Big 12 Conference champion, and Baylor reached a top-15team rating with Leatu on the team.Now, she’s glad to be in a part of Texas she calls home and towear the many hats that come with being a head coach.“As a head coach, you’re a parent figure, a friend, a therapist,a mentor, and sometimes, just a really good listener,” Leatu said.“Being a head coach is understanding that wearing all of thesehats, being consistently optimistic through good times and bad,and never letting your standards drop are ultimately how youachieve success with your unit, your team, your family.”Women’s tennis returns to the WC athletic lineup this fall.“Southern hospitality is something special,and I’m grateful for the opportunity to live,work and raise a family in a community thatis so welcoming,” he said. “Moving acrossthe country is a big decision and a step offaith, especially with a young family. WhenI saw this job opportunity, I was amazedat how well it aligned with my experiencein launching a bachelor’s program and mywork as a professor.”Mathew’s to-do list is long as the newprogram gets off the ground. Developingcurriculum, building classes, meetingaccreditation requirements and other taskswill keep him busy, as his team works withcollege and community stakeholders tobuild a quality program.“We will create a win-win for studentswho can leverage their bachelor’s degreesto compete for jobs and promotions, aswell as for employers who are looking foran educated and prepared workforce to fillin-demand leadership, management andsupervisory roles.”THE HILLTOP Summer 2021 11

NEW HORIZONS from page 3.responsibility and provide additional timeto meet with instructors and advisors to“So new programs like CyberSecurity,take care of crucial academic business.the BAAS, BSN and Vet Tech, along withTo ensure students are aware ofan evening cohort in Associate Degreeopportunities during the activity period,Nursing, are strong indicators of ourthe Honors Program and the vast array ofcommitment to growing the college.”academic programs at WC, the QualityThe new building will open just a fewEnhancement Plan Committee hasmonths after classes begin for the newdeveloped Weatherford College ROOTSBAAS program, and when they take their(Resources Open Oppor tunity Toseats in the three-story, 70,000-square-footStudents). The ROOTS project is aimedfacility, they will have a front-row view ofto make sure students make the most ofthe new Weatherford College, Endy said.their time at WC and set them on a path“The BAAS in Organizational Leadershipto success both academically and for theirchanges things for WC in a significant way,”future careers.he said. “The BSN program was createdROOTS has revamped the incomingfor working, licensed nurses to advancestudent orientation program, rebrandingin that field. The BAAS init as CORE, the CoyoteOrganizational Leadershipe are now an institution Orientation Registrationprovides high-quality localExperience.access to baccalaureate degreebetter equipped than ever Rather than one largecompletion for people in aorientation day near thevariety of professions. The before to positively impact the start of the fall semester,program ser ves workingincoming students canpeople who can complete lives of our students and the pick from eight COREthe BAAS while remainingdays during the summer,active and employed in Parker communities they serveproviding more scheduleCounty and our five-countyflexibility and smallerservice area.”groups for more of a oneThe program is designed for students access to student life, including clubs, on-one orientation experience.to “build upon their valuable two-year organizations, campus cookouts, careerLooking toward the horizon, moredegrees to compete for higher-paying jobs and transfer fairs, and other student events. changes are coming for WC. A new fiveand promotions, while employers get the With face-to-face interaction returning, year strategic plan outlines new dorms,rounded skill sets they seek in bachelor’s those offerings are expected to grow more tennis courts, parking garages, a new studentprepared employees—all at an affordable in the 2021-22 academic year.center, and many more potential projects.price point,” said program director Dr.“Student life and student involvementThe first of five new teams join thePhilip Mathew.play a big part in student recruitment and Coyote athletic roster this fall: men’sStudents in traditional freshman and retention,” said Doug Jefferson, associate golf and women’s tennis. Volleyballsophomore classes now have the option dean of student development. “Our will come on board in Fall 2022, andto challenge themselves even more department provides events designed to women’s golf and men’s tennis will bewith the addition of WC’s new Honors assist with the holistic development of our added in Fall 2023.Program. Students can build lasting students, including guest speakers, novelty“We are now an institution betterrelationships with instructors for letters shows, career events, university transferequipped than ever before to positivelyof recommendation and mentorship with fairs, cookouts, pep rallies and studentimpact the lives of our students andeven smaller class sizes.professional development workshops. the communities they ser ve,” said“For the Honors Program, we want These activities are designed to keep the President Tod Allen Farmer. “Like thestudents to have a different experience,” students engaged.”monarch butterfly, Weatherford Collegesaid Michelle Burt, program coordinator.Having this dedicated activity hour is changing for the better. The marvelous“In high school, they may not have taken allows students time to participate in metamorphosis has empowered us tothis opportunity to take advanced classes events that will enhance their student i

the college's nursing program in a class by itself. "Weatherford College is already known for our exceptional nursing programs, and this generous gift will enable the Alesia . Armstrong Wiggs School of Nursing to become the premier . school of nursing in Texas and beyond," Farmer said. "We are extremely grateful to the Wiggs Family .