Dawn M. Wilson – Health & Physical Education Faculty, 1976 – 82

Dawn M. Wilson

1976

                I look back at my career of thirty years in education in Louisiana and fond memories are evoked, not only of professional experiences but also of all the people whom I have met and with whom I have worked.  I particularly view my teaching experience and administrative responsibilities at USL from 1976 to 1982 as having a pivotal impact on my professional career and my vision of my own worth.

                During one’s lifetime special people pass through who have major impacts on one’s personal direction, career choices, and personal self-assurance.  I am truly grateful for those mentors that have guided me down these paths.

                My mother was one such mentor.  The joy and professional satisfaction she experienced in performing and teaching dance challenged my educational choices in college to pursue a degree in health, physical education and recreation with specialization in dance.  Her owning and operating a school of dance afforded me the early experiences of being a leader.  Her pride in my following in her footsteps and my enthusiasm and eagerness to teach enabled me to enter the world of work upon early graduation.  From an early age, she had instilled in me an appreciation for the arts and encouraged my creativity.

                The adrenaline rush and excitement one feels upon graduation was dampened during the first of the seven years I taught at a public elementary/junior high school.  I quickly learned that, in order to keep my students interested and motivated, “traditional” methodology was not going to work–my students had “been there and done that.”  My creative juices started flowing; before long, I was conducting workshops for professional associations and school districts.  I was fortunate to have a principal that was open to new concepts, such as elementary physical education and career education.  My school became recognized as a state model for such programs.  Dr. Ed Dugas, at that time Chairman of USL’s HPER Department, had participated in several of my presentations and encouraged me to apply for a position vacancy in the Department.   With some doubts about my skills and knowledge to teach at the university level, I accepted a position teaching dance and gymnastics. He recognized a hint of administrative ability and placed me in the position of Activity Coordinator, following Sue Jones Simmons.  Dave Cameron and Marty Bourg, Coordinators of the Undergraduate Program, and I were Ed’s “fair-haired kids.”  It was evident that if we worked as a team, good things could happen, and they did!  Ed Dugas has been a mentor to so many young professionals.  I can truly say that, through the years, his friendship, support, encouragement, and confidence inspired me to believe more in my abilities and myself.

Subsequent teaching positions, which included Terrebonne Parish School Board, Tulane University, and Northeast Louisiana University, provided me additional opportunities to grow as a professional and as an individual.  I utilized the experiences gained at USL to develop new curricula and coordinate new activities and programs. Additionally, in the years after USL, I spent time working with the American Heart Association by educating our state’s youth about cardiovascular disease.  While at the time the moves around the state were not necessarily by choice, little did I know that these experiences were helping to mold the broad perspective of higher education needed for my success in my present administrative position.

I truly believe my rich experiences and opportunities are a result of the guidance and teaching of my many mentors.  They have provided me with personal direction, career choices, and personal self-assurance to reach these personal and professional highs that I always felt were far beyond my reach.  Because my mentors exhibited faith in my potential, I gave each position as much energy as possible by working very diligently at every task, and viewed each change of job as a professional challenge from which I could grow.  I am truly thankful for these mentors in my life who have given me guidance and support.

I have worked for the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, formerly the Board of Trustees, for over four years as Director of Planning and Development and as Assistant to the President.  While none of my current responsibilities directly impact or involve my chosen vocation of teaching, the administrative skills and people skills I have acquired along the way have made this experience very rich both professionally and personally.

USL, the students I knew, and faculty and staff with whom I worked, will always have a special place in my heart.  Congratulations on your Centennial!