LeadAR Class 20 Member Spotlight: Dan Villamor

by Lisa Davis - June 11, 2024

So excited to spotlight another member of LeadAR Class 20. Dan Villamor is a research scientist at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. We asked him to respond to the following questions.

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

Much of my career has been spent conducting research in plant virology. Having limited leadership experience, along with my recent transition to a management position, motivated me to apply to the LeadAR program.

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

That quality is integrity because when one possesses it, a whole host of other qualities come together - honesty, responsibility, and patience, to name a few. To put it simply, a leader with integrity breeds confidence and trust among peers and team members.

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

On first impression, people often have the perception that I am a quiet type of person, but I can be very vocal in certain circumstances, especially when I feel comfortable with the people around me.

What are your top three ingredients necessary for success?

Happiness pertains to the satisfaction of one's goal, whatever those may be. So, to be happy, one must: 1) Have a goal in life and a plan of action to achieve it, 2) Truly like the tasks associated with achieving that goal, and 3) Have a sense of contentment on what is achieved.

Describe your personal leadership style.

I am the type who delegates tasks, giving plenty of freedom to my team members if the goal is achieved. However, I can be a micromanager, when necessary, to a team member who has some work-related deficiencies but always with the goal of hopefully transforming the person to become more independent.

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

From this LeadAR experience, I hope to learn how to collaborate effectively with colleagues and improve interaction/communication with my team members. On a broader scale, I am intrigued in what the LeadAR program is designed for, so I hope to gain an understanding of the different social, economic, and political issues within the state of Arkansas.

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

Effective leadership can help move the state of Arkansas through influence on individuals and good policy making.

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

1) a bottle of water 2) flashlight 3) emergency flare

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.