DR. JENNIFER WIMBISH, a 1970 graduate of Calhoun High School, and a former member of the Sunligh Girl’s Club in Port Lavaca, Texas has authored her first book, “Leadership Wisdom For All Generations.” Wimbish, the first African American President of Cedar Valley College (CVC), of the Dallas County Community College District, in her recently released book “Leadership Wisdom For All Generation,” takes you on a journey, including her walk with God, from her childhood in Port Lavaca, to her college presidency, as she shares character and leadership principles gleaned from her mentors –wise authentic leaders. Wimbish provides in each chapter a short autobiography, followed by character and leadership lessons learned from her mentors. Leadership principles learned in Port Lavaca begin the book in a very dynamic manner. Dr. Wimbish concludes the book by presenting lessons derived from her own experiences as a president of a Texas community college. Wimbish says that the book is linked to her commitment to transgenerational learning. She believes strongly that each generation must leave a legacy that includes the learning of wise individuals, thus preparing tomorrow’s world leaders.
Wimbish, dedicates the book to the mentors that positively impacted her life. In Port Lavaca, she notes that her parents, the late Louis Butler and Jenlell Butler, provided character and leadership principles that allowed her to achieve many of her life goals. She further notes that living in a home with her brother Steven Butler, allowed her to live in an environment when love made her feel that she was “rich” because she was endowed with a family that let her know that she was special and bound for great things. The book is also dedicated to the late Mrs. Naomi Chase and Mrs. Majorie Green, who were her teachers when she was a student at Wilkins Elementary School in Port Lavaca. Wimbish share that these teachers, in a segregated school system, along with other professors and administrators at Wilkins, provided her with an education that prepared her not only to excel at Crockett Junior High, and Calhoun High School, but later at Hampton University, Texas A & M, Kingsville, and Michigan State University. Moreover, Wimbish states that the community of Port Lavaca provided her with character and leadership lessons that allowed her to live life in a positive manner; thereby, being a productive American citizen. In talking to community members in other Texas cities about the book, she shares freely that Port Lavaca, Texas was and is the best city in the world for a child and teen to grow up.
Jennifer Wimbish is the daughter of the late Louis Butler, who was the first African American City Councilman in Port Lavaca, and Mrs. Jenell Butler, who at 93 continues to be active in her church and the Port Lavaca community. Wimbish grew up surrounded by many positive role models at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. Dr. Wimbish is known for her commitment to supporting and mentoring individuals in achieving their goals. As the President of Cedar Valley College, she led the college to recognition as a military friendly campus, and one nationally known as a model for sustainability. During her tensure, record increases in enrollment, completion, and graduation rates afforded many students access to a college education. The college’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter won the title of Most Distinguished Chapter in the world, contributing to Dr. Wimbish receiving Phi Theta Kappa’s prestigious Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Wimbish was the featured speaker at Port Lavaca’s June 19th Celebration. On June 22, she will be making a special presentation and signing books at the Calhoun County Library from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.
Her book, Leadership Wisdom for All Generations, can be found at amazon.com and barnesand nobles.com.
