1. KELLY BLOUNT
I was introducedtoKellyBlountthroughcoursesItaughtwithinthe HumanResource Management
track of the IntegratedLeadershipStudiesprogram.IconsideredKellytobe a motivatedlearnerfrom
the firstdiscussionpostsof the first class,andher engagementdidnotdiminishoverthe weeksand
months.She managedhertime well,workingaheadwhenscheduleconflictswere anticipated,and
informingme of herintentions.
In reflectingonwhatimpressedme the mostaboutKelly,thereare several thingsthatreallystandout.
Most unique,perhaps,isherunpretentiousconfidence.She isproudof whatshe has accomplishedthus
far, butshe maintainshumility.Inthe self-assessmentexercisesinthe courses,Kellyshowedanacute
self-awareness,andreallydemonstratedactive learning.Inmanyof our discussionsaswell,she shared
eventsinherworklife thatothersmightconsiderset-backs,butshe reflectedonthemina waythat
addedto herunderstanding,andthenseemedtohave actuallybenefittedfromthe experience,without
a breakin herstride.
Kellybroughtmuchof thispersonal workexperienceintoanalyzingcasesassignedinthe courses.She
appliedgoodreasoningandlogical thinking,andarrivedatpractical solutions.Indiscussions,her
responsestootherclassmatesshowedgenuine interestandanopennesstoperspectivesdifferentfrom
herown.She respectfullyaskedthought-provokingquestionsof otherstonotonlyfurtherdiscussion,
but I believe tosatisfyherreal interestinknowing.
I was pleasedtobe askedtoprovide atestimonyforKelly.She isacomplimenttoCreighton,and
representswhateveryteacheroremployerdesires—ahardworking,professional,withastrongsense
of ethicsandfairness.Idon’tknowwhatpath she will choose,butIknow she will make asolid
contributionwherevershe goes.If the fieldisHumanResource Management,Iwill be proudtohave her
as an associate.
PamelaJ.Acuff
President/Principal Consultant
Acuff Consulting