WELL& JOURNAL

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES After a long day of traveling, I do not have much capacity to write. But soon, I will, and I know my words will meet me there. 

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES These past two days have been full of learning, laughing, and leaning into leadership with some of the best in the business. The NCMPR Leadership Institute is a reminder that communication is not just about messaging, but about connection. I am grateful to grow alongside the entire group, including fellow Kentuckian Whitney Walker, director of marketing and communications at West Kentucky Community & Technical College. This group amazed me with their care for students, strategy, and storytelling.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Today, I attended my first session of the NCMPR Leadership Institute. We learned about values, challenging assumptions, listening with intention, and so much more.  The chance to connect with professionals in our niche was a unique opportunity for which I am incredibly grateful. Although our experiences and backgrounds differ across lines of geography, age, and other demographics, we share a commonality: our love for helping students.  That shared purpose created instant connection. As we explored topics like courageous leadership and reflective practice, I found myself not just taking notes, but taking stock: of who I am, who I want to be, and what kind of leader our students deserve. Today reminded me that good leadership is not just about strategy; it is about heart and listening to understand, not to reply. It is about making space for others and questioning the assumptions we carry, even the ones about ourselves. I am walking away inspired, challeng...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES We left Shoulderblade early this morning, with Papaw up front and Will in the back, half-asleep with a technology-filled duffle bag.  It was a long drive, but the weather was good, and we made decent time. Papaw has traveled plenty, but this was his first time in D.C.  He mostly looked out the window and made little comments about the roads and how many cars were out. We stopped a couple of times for food and gas; it was nothing fancy. Once we hit the edge of the city, the traffic picked up fast. I had both hands on the wheel while Papaw tried to help me spot the exits.  We got to the hotel, parked, and checked in without much trouble. After being in the car all day, it felt good to sit still. We made it.