Last year, Dr. Reed Sheard, Vice President for College Advancement and Chief Information Officer at Westmont College sat down with MSU's Vice President and Strategic Director of University Communications, Merri Jo Bales to speak on why leadership matters, and how authentic leadership helps build great organizations.
Reed Sheard graduated from the University of Sioux Falls where he earned a Master of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary, and a doctorate in higher education leadership from Seattle University. Reed Sheard joined Westmont College Vice President and CIO in October 2008 after having served at Spring Arbor University in Michigan as the Vice President and CIO for five years.
In January 2010, Reed took over responsibility as the Vice President for College Advancement and has been a principal member of the leadership team responsible for the three largest fundraising campaigns at Westmont that have secured resources for new buildings, programs, scholarships and institutes. He continues to serve as the CIO.
The Three Key Principles
- Your leadership can and must matter. Everyone has the opportunity to be a difference maker within your own community, career, and life – but it will take your full commitment.
- Authentic leadership is a behavior and not a position of authority. It’s never because of what your business card says, it comes down to action, confidence and responsibility.
- Lead with your heart as well as your hand. Authentic leaders demonstrate a passion for their purpose and practice their values consistently.