The WestStar Leadership Program recently held its inaugural Evelyn C. Robertson Jr. Conference for Excellence at the University of Tennessee at Martin, as reported by the university's news site. The event, which took place on April 29 at the Edward J. and Carolyn P. Boling University Center, focused on leadership development and community empowerment under the theme “The Power of Access and Opportunities.”
Approximately 140 individuals attended the conference to hear from an assembly of guest speakers that included UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman; Matt Marshall, CEO of United Way West Tennessee; Jackson Mayor Scott Conger, and Dr. Youlanda Jones, president of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest. The conference had previously been titled the African American Leadership Conference before being renamed this year to honor Robertson, who passed away on Aug. 19, 2024, and was vital in initiating the first meeting back in 1999.
Jahnae Johnson, the program manager of the WestStar Leadership Program, highlighted the goal of the conference. "Our goal was to encourage attendees to strengthen their leadership abilities and build meaningful connections," UTM News reported her saying. She emphasized the importance of locals recognizing the resources and connections available within their own communities.
The conference bore extra significance as it paid tribute to the late Robertson, a renowned figure who once led the Southwest Tennessee Development District and served on the board of directors of the National Association of Development Organizations. Robertson's legacy was felt by many, including his family members who were present at the event. “I think renaming the conference made it more personal and meaningful,” Johnson conveyed as her reflection on the redesignation’s impact.
Looking forward, the WestStar Leadership Program continues to foster leadership skills with the next Evelyn C. Robertson Jr. Conference of Excellence date already set for April 8, 2026, in Jackson. The program also runs WestTeach, which aims to strengthen leadership among teachers and school administrators across West Tennessee.
