Perfect attendance
Posted: March 11, 2016
Ron Winkler is a busy man. Yet he always seems to find time for ATSU. Since becoming a member of ATSU’s Board of Trustees in 2009, he has attended every quarterly board meeting as well as every Missouri campus commencement program.
“Attendance is an important aspect of board membership,” says Winkler, who is a longtime resident of Kirksville, Mo.
Winkler started his own communication services business 35 years ago and has since become an active community member. He’s served on several city committees and the city council. He was president of Kirksville Regional Economic Development Inc. (KREDI) from 2003-09 and was the ATSU representative on KREDI’s board from 2009-15. He even served a stint as mayor of Kirksville from 1988-90. Through his vast business experience and civic participation, he hasn’t seen another board that cares as much as about its organization as ATSU.
“Being a member of this board is a commitment,” Winkler says. “If you are on this board, you really care.”
During his time as a trustee, Winkler witnessed the board’s transformation into a visionary model of leadership. He believes this unique governance structure works very well for ATSU, particularly its consensus decision-making process. He credits his fellow board members for their character and dedication as they continue moving the University forward.
“The members are unbelievably great,” Winkler says. “For a group of people with their qualifications to come together and make consensus decisions, the future is more than bright.”
Some of his favorite memories as a board member include serving alongside Jack Magruder, EdD, president emeritus, and serving as chair for the search committee that found President Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84. He also fondly recalls the creation of MOSDOH and its St. Louis Dental Education and Oral Health Clinic, emphasizing the importance of access to oral healthcare services for rural populations.
“Attending the graduations and watching the students and families celebrate is an overall highlight,” says Winkler, who is an honorary member of the Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association.
Although his time on the board was complete in summer 2015, he still plans to attend upcoming commencement programs. He’s especially looking forward to 2017, when ATSU will celebrate its 125th anniversary and MOSDOH will graduate its inaugural class.