Elizabeth Collins, Dr. Martin Eggensperger, Dr. Brad Baine
PARAGOULD, AR Sept. 9—On Thursday, August 26, 2021, Dr. Brad Baine, BRTC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Elizabeth Collins, Communications Specialist, graduated from Leadership Paragould, a 12-month, 12-session leadership program.
During the yearlong program, Baine and Collins, part of Class XXIV, attended sessions on interpersonal communication, team building, and leadership skills; however, the focus of most of the sessions was the inner workings of the City of Paragould. The class learned about Paragould’s history, art, educational institutions, healthcare, judicial processes, transportation, and agriculture. The program concluded with a visit to the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and State Capitol.
At the beginning of the program, Class XXIV was divided into three teams to complete three separate community service projects. The teams collected clothing for children in need, renovated a staircase at Paragould’s Mission Outreach, and reequipped a playground at Mission Outreach.
Every year at the graduation ceremony, one member from each class is awarded the Powerball. Voted on by the class, the Powerball is awarded to the person who the class believes has put the most effort into the sessions and program. Previous Powerball winner Dr. Martin Eggensperger, BRTC’s President, presented Dr. Brad Baine, Class XXIV winner, with the Powerball.
Baine and Collins agree that being part of Leadership Paragould was a great experience and are grateful for the opportunity. Dr. Baine states, “Participating in the Leadership Paragould program provided me the opportunity to expand my network of professionals and work with individuals to develop and refine problem-solving skills as we looked for ways to serve our organizations and community. I gained valuable insight into the businesses and economic development in Paragould and surrounding areas. This program helped me grow as a professional leader and has prepared me, in many ways, to serve my institution and community. I am grateful for the service and efforts of the Leadership Paragould Committee. They are committed to helping professionals increase their leadership capacity. I strongly encourage businesses looking to invest in their professional leaders to utilize this outstanding leadership program.” Collins adds, “I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of Leadership Paragould Class XXIV. I have improved my leadership skills, learned valuable information about the City of Paragould, and made some life-long friends.”
For more information about Leadership Paragould, visit https://www.paragould.org/. For more information about Black River Technical College, visit https://blackrivertech.org/.