Dr. Alvia J. Wardlaw Leadership Style

Being a leader in a non-profit organization can be a daunting task. There are many challenges that come with the position. However, Dr. Alvia J. Wardlaw continues her role effortlessly as she serves the students and community in the city of Houston. It was a pleasure interviewing her. From it, I've learned what it means to be passionate about the community and the persistence in doing good deeds to assist others in need.
Early in her career, Dr. Wardlaw worked as the curatorial assistant at the Museum of Fine Arts. From there, Wardlaw joined Texas Southern University's art department in 1973 as a professor, teaching art history. In 1994, she became the Museum of Fine Arts Houston's curator of modern and contemporary art and organized the John T. Biggers retrospective the following year. Wardlaw retired from the MFAH in 2008 after 22 years. She also became director and curator of TSU's University Museum in 2000 and continues her work at the University Museum today.
Dr. Wardlaw's leadership style is described as democratic and participative leadership. This style of leadership consists of staff and volunteer participation. However, she has the ultimate authority
I have the opportunity to witness how well Dr. Wardlaw manages the University Museum. There has never been a day that she has neglected her responsibilities as curator/director for the museum. She is heavily involved in assisting students, staff, faculty, and other organizations. However, Dr. Wardlaw is able to keep her spirits up by staying focused on the end result and impact of the project. She is never overwhelmed or intimidated of the day-to-day activities or how she is constantly flooded with calls and emails. Dr. Wardlaw believes it's all a progression towards the product, the publication, the event, the performance, the exhibition, the programs, and