May 20, 2003

TSU names new director for Institute for Leadership Development

Troy State University has named Dr. John Kline of Montgomery, former Provost at Air University, as Director of the Institute for Leadership Development.

Dr. Kline replaces Dr. Shirley Woodie, founding director of the institute, who is retiring after more than 30 years in Alabama higher education. She was a faculty member and administrator at Enterprise State Junior College and President of the Alabama Aviation and Technical College in her hometown of Ozark before coming to TSU.

“We take great pride in our role of training the next generation of leaders for our state and region, and the Institute for Leadership Development naturally plays the key role in this effort,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “Dr. Shirley Woodie provided exemplary service to TSU for seven years, and we are confident that Dr. John Kline will continue the tradition of excellence she has established.”

TSU’s Institute for Leadership Development:

• Works with appropriate departments in the university to make leadership development a central focus in the academic program, in student affairs, and in professional development opportunities for faculty and staff and area citizens; Offers a variety of leadership development initiatives, including introductory and advanced course work, fellowships and seminars; Emphasizes the role that ethical leadership plays in personal success and social improvement; and
• Recognizes, promotes and rewards excellence in leadership.

Dr. Kline, a native of Iowa, earned his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and his master’s degree and Ph.D. degree from the University of Iowa. He taught speech communication at the University of New Mexico and the University of Missouri before joining the Air University faculty, where he served for 25 years. He was appointed Professor of Education at TSU in 2000.

In addition, Dr. Kline delivers more than 100 speeches a year and has written five books on communication. His latest work “Effective Listening: Achieving High Standards in Communication,” was published this year by Prentice Hall, and “Speaking Effectively: Achieving Excellence in Presentations,” is scheduled to be released this summer by Prentice Hall.

Dr. Kline is active in church and civic activities in Montgomery. He and his wife, Ann, have five children and 12 grandchildren.