Testimonials
See what past speakers have to say about the conference.
Free and open to the public
All events are free and open to the public. No registration is necessary for conference events.
Free parking.
About
the conference
The conference features a series of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and special events throughout the week, which touch upon business, family, international issues, the arts and education
Welcome from the conference chair
Most people from the United States envision leadership as synonymous with “take charge” behavior. This narrow view of leadership assumes that if someone is not visibly directing and controlling the activities of others, that person is not exhibiting leadership. This is, however, only one model of leadership — and not necessarily the model most likely to be effective in addressing contemporary issues. The problems facing our society are complex and multilayered, involving many stakeholders, each with their own unique perspectives about issues and preferred ways of addressing them. For example, in our corner of Missouri, we face issues of land use about which farmers, city and county officials, environmentalists, property developers, and the general public have strong feelings. Clearly, we need leaders who understand the need to collaborate with others, who both want to and are able to bring multiple voices to the table to ensure that the best ideas have the opportunity to surface and be recognized. As we move forward into this new millennium, our problems will not be solved by one person or group acting unilaterally. If we are to succeed, we need leadership that encourages all voices to be heard, is interested in and respectful of differences, open to trying new models of problem solving, and willing to work collectively on our mutual problems.
Our traditional view of what constitutes leadership is a limited one that often prevents us from appreciating what other cultures and traditions can teach us. We can only benefit from learning about other models of leadership, from enhancing our cultural understandings of what constitutes leadership, and from expanding behavioral repertoire when we lead. This is what I hope the 2011 Public Affairs Conference with the theme of Leading in a Global Society will do. I want us to explore leadership by hearing from and interacting with successful leaders of all types from a variety of contexts and cultures.
The Public Affairs Conference is the result of many months of planning by the members of the Public Affairs Conference Committee, who come both from the campus and the surrounding community; Mary Ann Wood, director of public affairs support; and Candace Fisk, director of the Missouri State Public Affairs Academy. We also could not present the conference without the support of Missouri State Provost Belinda McCarthy, former President Michael Nietzel, current President James E. Cofer, Sr. and conference sponsors. With your participation, we anticipate a successful seventh annual conference.
Dr. Gloria J. Galanes
Provost Fellow for Public Affairs
Conference Chair
