University President Dr. Richard Rhodes and Chancellor Glenn Hegar.
Texas A&M–Central Texas hosted the Pfluger Student Leadership Conference on Friday, May 9. The event, sponsored by U.S. Congressman August Pfluger, is intended to inspire students to embrace leadership roles. Approximately 120 eighth graders from Killeen ISD were in attendance.
Students were treated to a static display from the III Armored Corps at Ft. Cavazos, featuring an M1 Abrams tank, M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, M1126 Styker Infantry Carrier and an Apache helicopter that landed on the university’s activity field.
Along with Congressman Pfluger, students heard from III Corps commander Lt. Gen. Kevin Admiral, NASA spacesuit engineer Richard Rhodes, the son of A&M–Central Texas president Richard M. Rhodes, and incoming Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar.
Following Rhodes’ discussion about the many considerations for developing the next NASA spacesuit, Pfluger and Gen. Admiral spoke to students about the characteristics of a strong leader. Pfluger said good leaders exhibit three characteristics: humility, credibility, and approachability.
“Leadership isn’t about being the smartest or the most popular,” Pfluger said. “It’s about being humble, credible, and approachable. You earn credibility by using your skills to lift others. It’s not just about what you say, it’s about what you do.”
Gen. Admiral said strong leaders set an example for others to follow.
“In the military, we learn quickly that leadership isn’t about barking orders,” he said. “It’s about setting the standard ad being willing to do what you ask of others.”
Chancellor Hegar closed the conference telling students about his journey through state government, working as the State Comptroller, and what he’s sees moving forward as the next chancellor of the A&M System. He said he’s looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead and leading the 30,000 A&M System employees.
Hegar told students that the most important aspect of leadership is one’s character. He said they will always have difficult people to deal with, but to make sure what they say is true and that relationships matter. He said good leaders are willing to do those things that others don’t want to do and that it’s okay to not like a job because at least that teaches you something about yourself.
“Discover what you love, even if that means finding out what you don’t love,” Hegar said. “That’s how you find your purpose.”