LeadAR Class 19 Spotlight: Courtney Fisher

by Lisa Davis - October 11, 2021

It's time to shine the spotlight on our next member of LeadAR Class 19 — Courtney Fisher.

Courtney Fisher has worked at Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) for nearly 20 years. She began her ANC career as an education advisor for TRiO — Educational Talent Search Program. From there she moved from the federal grant side of services to Student Services as an admissions counselor/recruiter. Fisher later served as the assistant to the president and board of trustees, and currently is in her fifth year as the director of student services.

Outside her work in post-secondary education, Fisher has played an active role in her community, recently serving as the president of the Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce. She is also an active board member of the Ritz Foundation and has been part of many other boards and committees over the years including: The Haven, Main Street Blytheville, The Delta Byways Commission, The Mississippi County Community Foundation, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital Circle of Friends just to name a few.

Fisher is a 1995 graduate of Gosnell High School, a 1997 graduate of Arkansas Northeastern College (formerly Mississippi County Community College), a 2000 graduate of Arkansas State University for her undergraduate work in Journalism and Public Relations, and a 2013 graduate of Arkansas State University for her master’s degree in College Student Personnel Services.

She is a member of Blytheville First United Methodist Church where she serves as the youth director, and is a member of Chapter D P.E.O.

Fisher has two wonderful sons, Patrick and Moses, and a dog named Hays. We asked her to share her responses to the following questions.

Why did you apply to the LeadAR program? What motivated you?

I applied because I am always looking for new ways to connect with others and improve my skill set. I have several friends/colleagues who have participated, and they all spoke highly of the experience.

What leadership quality do you admire most in others? Why?

The ability to inspire others. The ability to be a complete visionary and see everything from the basic details to the really big picture. The ability to know their talent pool and delegate appropriately so that everyone is functioning effectively.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? Why is this surprising?

My taste in music. It is varied but doesn't include country. I'm from Arkansas, aren't we all supposed to listen to country? Lol!

What are your top three ingredients necessary for success?

1. Vision or goal
2. Knowledge or the ability to learn
3. Determination/ "Want to"

What are your top three ingredients necessary for happiness?

1. Love
2. Laughter
3. "Framily" (Friends who are family and family who are friends)

Describe your personal leadership style.

It is still developing through trial and error. I am not a micromanager. I expect people to do their jobs and I provide help and support when they need it. I care for my staff, but I often have trouble with confrontation. It needs a lot of work. I do know that.

What is something you hope to gain from your LeadAR experience?

A better handle on cultivating the best leadership style for my organization.

How can effective leadership help move the state of Arkansas forward?

By providing a vision and then determining and cultivating the tools necessary to reach that vision.

You are stranded on a desert island. What are your three MUST HAVE items?

1. Sunscreen
2. A way to listen to music
3. A machete

What else do you want others to know about you?

I joke around a lot and my sense of humor can be a little edgy and sharp, but I actually have a big heart and care deeply for people.

LeadAR is a program designed to help Arkansans broaden their understanding of issues and opportunities facing our state and strengthen their ability to make a difference. For more information about LeadAR, visit the website or contact Julie Robinson, jrobinson@uada.edu, or Lisa Davis, ldavis@uada.edu.