A Reflection on STTACC from Nancy Leach, 2020 Award Winner from Region D

I had opportunity to congratulate Nancy Leach last week as we both dialogue about our journey at Big Bend Community College and the upcoming STTACC conference. She has so much history and knowledge in her 45 years and she reminded me how exciting it was when Washington State began planning for STTACC. It was primarily a way to provide professional development and networking to classified staff. I asked that she share her story through the STTACC blog. Here is her thoughts.

After receiving notification that I was the winner of the Region D 2019-2020 Exemplary Award, I stopped to reflect. I am so honored and humbled. I never imagined being nominated, let alone being chosen.

I remember the start of STTACC (1979-1980) and how Big Bend was instrumental in getting the organization started thru the hard work of two employees (Mollie Buche & Terri O’Neal) for helping draft the original constitution and bylaws. I believe there were also several staff from the Spokane Community Colleges who were involved but names escape me. It took many hours to create the draft and then in May of 1980 classified staff (Big Bend took a group of 10-12) from across the state traveled to Wapato Point in Manson, WA and voted to approve the constitution and bylaws. I believe Big Bend hosted an annual conference the next year.

I always enjoyed the annual conferences that I was able to attend and to see each of the other campuses. I always brought something back with me that I could use on the job and many new ideas to incorporate for training here on campus. So if you get the chance take advantage of the opportunity!

I was an active member of our campus Staff Development Committee for many years. I was never involved in any of the offices, regionally or statewide, but I saw on many occasions how employees who were able to do so gained leadership skills in a nurturing environment. They went on to continue their education earning an Associate, Bachelors and some onto a Masters as they gained confidence and then position advancements.

I firmly believe in being a lifelong learner. Each of us can always use new information and as we learn and grow we become better employees both with new skills and confidence.

Now here we are 30 years later. So, if you are new to higher education then you really need to know about STTACC. Not only is this a great avenue for professional development, but it is also an excellent resource for networking and learning about best practices shared with other colleagues who have similar roles. Even if the conference this year isn’t face to face, I believe the STTACC Board and conference planning team are making every effort to make this conference an event to remember.

Submitted by Region D Coordinator, Barb Collins, on behalf of Nancy Leach
Big Bend Community College