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Leadership Award
Sheree Utash, vice president of academic and student
affairs, received the International Exemplary Leadership Award at the
Chair Academy’s 14th Annual International Leadership Conference
on March 4. Utash, who has served Cowley as a vice president since
1999, received the award during the second general session of the conference
in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. When Utash received a letter in December from
the Chair Academy informing her of the award, she “thought it
was a mistake.” “I read the letter a couple of times, and
I was absolutely shocked,” Utash said. “I didn’t
know what to think. I’m extremely humbled, speechless. There
is no greater recognition or compliment of the work you do than to
be recognized by your peers.” Dejon Ewing, Cowley’s Humanities
Department chair, nominated Utash. Ewing solicited the help of a handful
of other Cowley employees to complete the nomination.
The Chair Academy sought nominations of people who had displayed exemplary leadership
qualities at their schools. The Academy looked for individuals who had developed
a program to enhance the learning community at the college, had created programs
to enhance diverse offerings and meet the needs of the ever-changing college
population, had created an environment in which others are empowered and is looked
upon as an exemplary leader, and persons who had modeled commitment, honesty,
acceptance, and open communication to move their department or area to the forefront
in the college.
Dr. Pat McAtee, Cowley president, praised Utash for her vision and leadership. “I’m
not surprised the organization would honor her in this way,” McAtee said. “She
is a very dynamic, effective leader, and we’re very fortunate to have her
at the college.” Utash has built an impressive resume since joining Cowley
in 1996 as director of north campuses. She has helped build partnerships with
Boeing Wichita, Wichita State University, and Wichita Area Technical College,
providing much-needed higher education and training opportunities to citizens
in southern Sedgwick County. Through her leadership, the college opened the Aviation
Tech Center in Wichita, providing certified training in Aviation Maintenance
Technology (Airframe and Powerplant). She has guided the development of the college’s
Online course offerings in which enrollment has skyrocketed. Under her leadership,
the Southside Center’s enrollment has grown to 1,300 full-time students
since opening in fall 1995.
