On Thursday, April 18, students gathered together for the final Dine and Discuss of the semester in Coburn Dining Hall to hear from Union University’s president, Dr. Samuel “Dub” Oliver.
At Dine and Discuss, a monthly opportunity for students to hear advice about leadership, Oliver spoke about the four key pieces he believes are essential to becoming a good leader.
- Importance of taking initiative
Oliver opened the session with a personal moment from his time in college. Because of an opportunity during his time as the president of his fraternity, he was introduced to the head of the student life department. He introduced himself and urged the head of student life to ask if he ever needed anything.
After that event, the department was in need of student interns. Oliver received a call asking if he was interested. He owes this opportunity to himself for taking the initiative to introduce himself and offer his assistance if needed.
- When life gives you lemons, make lemonade
“I know this isn’t what I want to do, but I am going to make the very best out of it because it’s what I have to do,” said Oliver, speaking about his time serving in the Air Force.
During his time serving, he used this mentality and went on to achieve the Airman of the Year for his district, region and overall airbase. He believes that the skills he learned while in this position helped develop him into a leader in many ways.
- Treat every assignment as important
When Oliver was working as a graduate assistant, he was tasked with redesigning a department. He redesigned the department he was currently working in, creating a full-time position for himself.
Because of this, the department head liked the idea so much that the position was solidified and the other changes were made. If he had not treated this assignment as an important one, he might not have worked in that position.
- Follow God’s call on your life no matter what
Oliver had to choose between keeping his scholarship and his current major or follow God’s calling, change his major and lose the scholarship. He chose to change his major, forcing him to lose his scholarship and repay the two years he received by serving in the Air Force.
Making this decision also meant disappointing important people in his life by giving up the scholarship and the chance to study biology and become a doctor.
“When following God’s plan, you have to tell people who love you no,” he said.
In closing, Oliver recapped his four points, emphasizing that on the journey of becoming a leader, it is first important to take initiative. After taking initiative, Oliver pointed out that things will fall into place.
“I enjoyed listening to Dr. Dub tell stories about his life,” said Delaney Sain, a sophomore public relations major. “It helped all of us know him on a deeper level and truly connect with his points about leadership. My favorite point was the one about making lemonade out of lemons. I plan on using that mentality going forward.”
Photo by Tamara Friesen
