GC VP of Instruction Dr. Dava Washburn receives Ray Williams Outstanding Leadership Award
Grayson College Vice President of Instruction Dr. Dava Washburn received the Ray Williams Outstanding Leadership Award from the Texas Community College Instructional Administrators this week. This award is given annually to recognize an instructional administrator who exemplifies leadership.
“Dr. Washburn exemplifies the character and work ethic of Ray Williams,” GC President Dr. Jeremy McMillen said. “At the core, Dr. Washburn is a trusted servant leader who cares deeply about her team and works to help them develop. She has a laser focus on student success.”
Dr. Washburn explained she was honored to receive the award but was quick to share the credit with the college’s three instructional deans - Dean of Academic Studies Dr. Chase Machen, Dean of Workforce Education Dr. Kimberly Williams and Dean of Health Science Joanna Barnes.
“Being recognized by my peers in TCCIA was extremely nice, but being able to celebrate and also recognize my three Instructional Deans to the group was an added bonus,” Dr. Washburn said. “These three make me look better than I am on a daily basis and I’m so very grateful for them, their work ethic, and friendship.”
The award was created to honor those administrators who - make a substantial impact in the college's effectiveness, demonstrate creativity and innovation in his or her professional responsibilities, demonstrate sustained commitment to instructional issues and challenges and influence a statewide initiative or project. It is also expected that a recipient of this award has exerted influence at the college level in one or more of the following areas - institutional effectiveness, effective management, curriculum development, transformation of organizational environment or faculty development.
“Dr. Washburn has been at the heart of our college’s aggressive redesign, leading to Grayson being named a Leader College by Achieving the Dream.,” Dr. McMillen said. “Our efforts have led to a reduction in hours to degree and our graduates now complete their degree nearly 9.5 months faster than the average Texas Community College.”
Dr. McMillen went on to recognize Dr. Wasburn’s work related to the college’s transition to 8-week terms and other innovative efforts.
“In fall 2018, Grayson moved to 8-week courses in a big way, we launched guided pathways and expanded our co-requisite model of developmental education,” Dr. McMillen said. “This fall, Grayson is expected to launch our RN to BSN program, as well as other new degree programs. We are often requested to share our practices at state, regional, and national conventions. When that occurs, Dr. Washburn is quick to push her team forward to help them grow and give them credit for their role in our very difficult work.”
“This requires individual creativity and innovation, which she exemplifies,” Dr. McMillen said. “She also builds those attributes into others while working to build consensus across the college to accomplish our vision for student success. Simply put, I’m proud that she’s a member of the Grayson College Team. Our students are better off because of her.”
