Accomplished Leader of the Year Award Winner – Tricia Dyer

What do you love most about working at your institution, or higher education in general?

I love assisting a student through their academic career and watching them grow throughout their college experience.  That final moment when they walk across the stage and I know that I made a difference for that student.

Who inspired you to get involved in higher education?

My mother and father encouraged me to continue my education and attend college.  My mother was a high school teacher (turned stay-at-home mother of 5 children) and my father was a mechanic (GED and some trade school).  Both of them wanted me to expand my career opportunities via a college education.  My undergraduate degree was in Teacher Education.  Once completed, they supported my plan to attend graduate school.  I was the first in my family to attain my Master’s degree.  They were extremely supportive and encouraged me to continue working in higher education.

Additionally, two significant role models have shaped me into the higher education professional that I am today.  Both encouraged me and pushed me to get out of my comfort zone.  Although uncomfortable at times, these are the times that I grew most in my professional career.

What advice would you offer to new professionals who are starting their first professional position?

*The process of learning and the process of change are never ending.  When you think you are done . . . you are really just starting.    

*Be humble enough to know you are not always right and there may be another way to get to the same solution.

*Do Your Best – No matter the task

*Balance work and life – Time and Health cannot be recouped.