Dr. John R. Pisapia
Story and photo by Drew Moody
Dr. John R. Pisapia '60 became the fifty-sixth individual to be recognized as Glenville State College's Alumnus (man) or Alumna (woman) of the Year.
The honor is bestowed upon graduates who have made outstanding contributions in their field, or for outstanding personal accomplishments.
Pisapia was keynote speaker Saturday evening at the alumni dinner and awards presentation in the Alan B. Mollohan Campus and Community Center. (Photo by Drew Moody)
The New Jersey native joined a select group of Glenville graduates.
Individuals previously recognized include Jack Stalnaker, Bill Hanlin, R. Terry Butcher, the late Dr. Harry B. Heflin, Bill and Marge Burke, and the late Dr. Patrick Gainer.
Pisapia's professional career has primarily focused on leadership and policy studies. Currently he is Chairman of the Board of Directors for Henderson Laboratory School at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. He led efforts to redesign post-graduate programs that focus on core leadership skills with a global perspective. His work has attracted national and international attention.
"Everything I've done in my career I can trace back to here," Pisapia told the crowd.
"By being such a small school we learned to get along...and we took care of each other," he said. "We are family."
He cited several individuals who helped and guided him becoming role models. Among those were former President Harry B. Heflin. Pisapia recalls arriving in Glenville and "walking up the hill" to the school. He came upon and was welcomed by a friendly, unassuming man who said, "I hope you'll be a successful Glenville man."
Pisapia believed the man was a "greeter" for the school.
Later, he discovered it was President Heflin.
It didn't take Pisapia long to feel he was in the "company of family."
"What I found at Glenville is what I try to find everywhere - people who want to be better than they are," he said. "It's what keeps me going."
Glenville State College served as an incubator of sorts. He saw leadership from administrators, teachers and coaches who genuinely cared about students success.
"I would call them quiet leaders," he said, because they were unassuming, humble and passionate.
"There's something about this campus that gives you self-confidence. This is a great place."
Pisapia also cited several individuals who helped and influenced him while he was a student, including President Heflin, the late Dr. Max Ward and the late Clarence Maze. Later, when he returned to Glenville to work he credited Coach Bill Hanlin, Coach Whitey Adolophson and Robert O. Hardman for making a significant difference in his life.
He continued his education obtaining a doctorate at West Virginia University. At many junctures during his long career Pisapia has continued to meet Glenville men and women who reached out a helping hand.
Pisapia is a former teacher in Gilmer County and coach at Glenville High School, a high school assistant principal and principal, college level instructor culminating in being named department chair. He is also a former assistant State Superintendent and State Superintendent of Schools in West Virginia.
While at Glenville State College he was a member of the famed 1958 football squad, the only team in Glenville State College history to be undefeated. For a short time he played professional football for the Washington Redskins.
Pisapia has traveled world-wide as a researcher and consultant.
His soon to be released book is entitled "The Strategic Leader."
"Glenville State College transformed me," he said. "I am because we are."
For more information about Dr. John R. Pisapia see:
www.leadership.fau.edu
johnpisapia.com
www.sacscasi.org
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