After a four year sabbatical, the Dean’s Leadership Council has been re-invented. The Dean’s Leadership Council, which dates back to 1979, when it was known as the Home Economics Council, dissipated in 2003. In early years, the Home Economics Council served as a collective voice of students to the Dean. They were considered the Student Government of the College of Home Economics, focusing on the needs and concerns of students. They also served as student representatives at events sponsored by the College of Home Economics and Texas Tech University. Students were selected by the Dean to sit on this council. In later years, the Home Economics Council soon became the Dean’s Leadership Council, following the name change of the college in 1993.
Each year, as several similar organizations throughout the college were created, the Dean’s Leadership Council was left with fewer responsibilities, and as a result, after over 30 years of dedication and service to the College of Human Sciences, it ceased to exist in 2003. However, with the plans for growth announced by Texas Tech University in 2007, and the continued need for professional representation of the College of Human Sciences to Texas Tech allowed the Dean’s Leadership Council to be reinstated.
Dr. Kitty Harris, Associate Dean of Academics, appointed officers with which to work on the Dean’s Leadership Council. Gabriel Garza (RHIM) was appointed, president; Kelly Garbowski (Retailing) as vice-president and Rashard Barnes (PFP) as secretary. Membership enrollment in the council totals 20, reflecting a representation from all majors within our college. Throughout fall of 2007, Dr. Harris along with her officers, worked hard to make this once major asset to the College of Human Sciences an active organization again, and with plans that it will continue to prosper and grow in the future. “It’s all about the students,” states Dr. Harris, “and how we can all best serve our college. The DLC brings together a diverse group of students who are working together as a team. That’s what it’s all about, being a team, not individuals.” Dr. Harris is looking forward to this organization being actively involved in college activities with the Development/Alumni Office as well as campus-wide representation.