Leadership Education Is Critical For Surry County Official

About

As the largest
university-based local
government training,
advisory, and research
organization in the United
States, the School of
Government serves more
than 12,000 public officials
each year.

Browse by Role

The School provides
content and resources for a
wide array of local
government and judicial
officials in North Carolina.

Select your role to explore
all related content.

Browse by Topic

The School provides content
and resources on a wide array
of topics in local government
and judicial administration in
North Carolina.

Select a topic to explore all
related content.

Courses

The School of Government
offers up to 200 courses,
workshops, webinars, and
professional conferences
each year.

Publications

The School of Government
publishes essential books,
manuals, reports, articles,
bulletins, and other print and
online content related to state
and local government.

Blogs

Faculty write for a number
of School of Government
blogs providing timely
updates on emerging issues.

Resources

The School of Government
offers information and
services related to a wide
range of topics relevant to
government and judicial
officials—in-person and on a
variety of platforms.

Blog Posts

Timely updates on emerging issues

Centers and Services

Specialized training/research hubs and consulting services

Frequently Asked Questions

Aggregated answers to common questions on a variety of topics

Knapp Library

Print and online materials and research expertise

Legal Summaries

Brief descriptions of legal cases, bills, or legislative activity

Listservs

Information exchanges for peers and faculty experts

Microsites

In-depth or aggregated content for local government and judicial officials

Tools and Apps

Online and mobile tools for employees on-the-go

Master of Public
Administration Program

The UNC MPA program prepares public service leaders. The program is offered in two formats: on-campus and online.

For more information, visit mpa.unc.edu

Giving

The School of Government depends on private and public support for fulfilling its mission. Your gift will make a lasting impact on the quality of government and civic participation in North Carolina.

Knapp Library

The Joseph Palmer Knapp Library houses a large collection of material on state and local government, public administration, and management to support the School's instructional and research programs and the educational mission of the Master of Public Administration program. Reference and research services are available to all residents of North Carolina, and additional assistance is available to state and local government personnel, both elected and appointed.

Larry Phillips might be a relative newcomer to the Surry County Board of Commissioners. However, his roots run deep in the community.

A proud, 37-year resident of his county, Phillips was appointed to the Board in 2012 with only a few months before the end of the term. Joining experienced members, he knew the learning gap would be wide. He credits the School of Government with helping him catch up.

“The School has equipped me with the facts necessary to gain understanding on the Board. Over time, I began building credibility and relationships with my peers to where I’m the go-to-guy to explore issues.”

Since becoming a county commissioner, Phillips has moved through the Local Elected Leaders Academy (LELA) and completed Advanced Leadership Corps (ALC). He was recently elected as second vice president of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. When discussing the impact of leadership training on his work, the benefits are clear.

“The Advanced Leadership Corps helped me understand my leadership tendencies: both the strengths and weaknesses. This was unlike any leadership training program I’ve attended, and I’ve taken a lot," said Phillips. "The difference is that you’re doing it with peers. It’s in a context that simulates real-life experiences through peer interaction.”

The results of his efforts were immediately felt in his community. “We recently worked on a water-sewer project near an interstate, which is prime real estate. The county commissioners started studying the property in 2009, and laid out a water system. However, sewer lines were never installed. This year, I got the project done. Without the skills and confidence I gained through ALC, I would never have been able to pull this off. I may not have even been able to attempt it."

Phillips doesn’t mince words when advising new and aspiring county commissioners. “Figure out why you want to do this, and know your values.” These values include understanding the needs of your county and creating a positive vision for the next 10–15 years.

“Use everything you can from the School of Government. Understand that all local government officials use the School. It will save you from a lot of mistakes," he added. "And if you can, work toward getting into the Advanced Leadership Corps. It’s critical for effective governance.”

After all, you might win an election, Phillips said, “but you still have to govern.”

Published September 4, 2015