A Change of Mind

A classic leadership seminar activity is selecting someone to be honored with a monument.

I would choose el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, widely known as Malcolm X.

Watching the documentary Eyes on the Prize in the late 1980s opened my mind to the civil rights work of the 1960s. Learning about the Freedom Riders who departed from the Western Campus of Miami University of Ohio—a campus where I lived just twenty years after that fateful trip—was one fact I did not forget. Some of the students who left that summer never returned because they gave their lives for the effort. It reinforced what it means to fight for what is right.

I wanted to learn more about Malcolm X because I was so impressed with his public speaking. I read the Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley in the 1990s. It changed my life. While no autobiography is a perfect representation of reality, the final chapters were as close as they could get, because Haley was recounting events as they happened, interviewing Malcolm soon after what was transpiring, particularly in the months before his assassination. Malcolm’s ability to persuade and lead was astounding. He was self-made, an ex-con transformed into a spiritual leader. But the reason I would choose him is because he did one incredible thing—he changed his mind.

He told thousands about the evil that the white American man had perpetrated on his sisters and brothers. He believed the relationship was irreparable. But after he traveled to Mecca, he changed his mind. He saw white men he could call his brothers. He resolved that he had had enough of someone else’s propaganda. He believed in truth, no matter who it was for or against. He believed in what was best for humanity as a whole. He left behind what he had preached to countless audiences and changed his mind. It cost him his life, but he was convinced of what he was called to do.

As you know from my last article, I have chosen to love all. In that pursuit (albeit an imperfect one), I try to help everyone reach their greatest potential to benefit others. While I tend to grasp situations quickly (or so I like to think), I remain open to changing my mind—even if it means I am called upon to publicly explain why. I strive to own my choices and explain them—unless confidentiality requires me not to—and answer questions as thoroughly as possible.

What educators do is more than work and more than a career. We are on a mission. Working in education is a sacred trust, and what we use as our guide is essential. Beyond the above, there is also acceptance, ownership, and belonging. We accept students where they are and as they are. We help them own their choices and find solutions without assigning blame—unless it is our error (then we make it right). We make becoming part of our college community easy from the beginning and draw them into a vibrant campus culture. This sense of belonging leads to greater satisfaction, persistence, and student self-efficacy, which means our students’ goals and those of the community are being realized.

These ideas ground my leadership of Southeast New Mexico College, and I believe many of my colleagues feel the same. I invite you to join us in the pursuit of truth and the realization of your greatest potential.

Kevin Beardmore, Ed.D., is President of Southeast New Mexico College. He may be reached at kbeardmore@senmc.edu or 575.234.9211