Journal honors Stotts

  Tuesday, June 30, 2015 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

B.B. Stotts, director of graduate and continuing studies at Pittsburg State University, gives much of the credit for her recent selection as one of the Joplin Regional Business Journal’s “Most Influential Women” to the Girl Scouts.

“I believe my leadership experience started as a young girl with experiences in Girl Scouting,” Stotts said. “Girl Scouts was a place where I felt comfortable and a place where my organizational skills, program and event planning skills and my desire to serve others really thrived.”

Stotts was one of 16 women from the region recognized recently by the business journal. Larry Warren, owner and publisher, said the honorees exemplify “strength, compassion for their communities and strong leadership qualities.”

In honoring Stotts, the business journal noted both her service on campus and in the community.

Stotts came to PSU in 1995 as a coordinator in career services and later served as assistant director of employer relations in that office. She was named to her current position in 2008.

In 2011, Stotts served as the first president of the newly formed PSU Unclassified Staff Senate. She said it’s an honor that she counts among her greatest. In addition to her ongoing duties in graduate and continuing studies, Stotts also teaches a Freshman Experience class each fall.

“Being able to advise students and help them succeed in their career or life choices is something that I find very motivating and rewarding,” Stotts told the business journal.

Stotts is also very active in her church, the First United Methodist Church of Frontenac, where she serves on the administrative board, teaches Sunday school and helps with vacation Bible school. She is also a member of the board of directors for Kids First Daycare.

A “lifetime” member of the Girl Scouts, Stotts continues to be involved with the organization and helps with her daughter’s Girl Scout troop.

Stotts said she has been fortunate to work with many people who have inspired her. She said those people have motivated her to “serve others, to do the best job that I can, and to help make a difference.”