Greetings to all of you and welcome to the Osceola Campus! There is great excitement in the air because all of you are here and we will start a new year, 2008-2009. Well, you probably have noticed many new faces; indeed, the Osceola Campus continues to grow, approximately 12% this Fall, representing over 7,300 students.
This past July, I had the opportunity of attending a PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) Humanities intensive course on how to teach Leadership. Among the many readings I had to study, there was a special one that reminded me of all of you. This piece explained the different leadership styles.
As I studied the “Transformational Leadership” I was remembering our faculty members at the Osceola Campus. According to Bernard M. Bass, Transformational Leadership is a superior leadership performance, which occurs when leaders broaden and elevate the interests of their group.
In addition, the Transformational Leader is charismatic and inspirational (as all of you are), provides intellectual stimulation, as you do when you present new learning to your students, and gives individualized consideration to each member of the group,as indeed, you do by treating each student as individuals, coaching and advising them.
You are extraordinary transformational leaders. With your teachings, you transform the lives of our students and give them the skills to a better future and a better quality of life.
I thank you and recognize you for your dedication transforming our students!
As we begin this new academic year, I look forward to working with you and to assist you in the fulfillment of your goals. Please do not hesitate to come to see me at any time (1-259) or email me at szapico@valenciacc.edu
Faculty & Staff 
