April 16, 2018 | UHCL Staff
College is an optimal time for self-discovery, learning, and finding your unique place in the world. It certainly was for University of Houston-Clear Lake alumna Jane Lehman Wood, who received her MBA in 1982. Wood remembers a pivotal undergraduate experience that changed the trajectory of her life – and it had nothing to do with academics.
“I was a new student at University of Miami and I applied to become a resident assistant,” Wood said. “They sent me to a leadership training program, and it completely opened my eyes to who I was. I lacked self-confidence and the courage to speak up for myself. I learned to grow as an individual, take chances and not shy away from taking risks.”
Wood described herself as a bit of a shy mouse who felt somewhat lost in college. “This training gave me the structure to bring out my true self,” she said. The experience turned out to be transformative.
“I was raised by my parents to have a love for education,” she said. “I was always grateful for my undergraduate education. I began a career in information technology with Rockwell International and later ExxonMobil. I had a chance to come back to school and complete my MBA, as well as recruit UH-Clear Lake students to join the IT field at ExxonMobil,” she said.
To remain closely connected to the university, Wood has served on UHCL’s Alumni Board, and became a Lifetime Alumni Member.
She said that she noticed some similarities in the way UHCL’s Hawk Leadership Institute approached leadership training. “I wanted to recognize this as a very important part of the university experience,” she said. With matched funds from ExxonMobil, Wood created the Lehman Family Scholarship Endowment in 2015, using her parents’ name to honor the commitment to education that they’d passed on to her.
“I wanted UHCL to identify future leaders who perhaps just needed a bit more guidance and structure to become true Hawks,” she said. “With some exposure to strong leaders, I hoped these students could be mentored and helped to begin the life journey of finding their true purpose.”
The scholarship recognizes students who have explored their personal leadership style and are learning about the talents they have to offer. When she was in her undergraduate leadership program, Wood said she’d learned to have the courage to switch gears if needed, and get up and try again if she failed. “When you find your purpose,” Wood said, “your leadership potential soars.”
HLI students who have completed the first or second years of the program can apply for the scholarships that are awarded that year. HLI students who complete the second year of the program may apply to be mentors for a third year experience.
“If you have a degree and wonderful grades but you have no confidence, you will have a hard time succeeding,” she said. “In terms of giving back, UHCL is part of my community. I hope students will be inspired to find their purpose and move forward in life with confidence.”
