Guest Blog from Don Darden

Don Darden is retiring from UT/IPS/MTAS and his last day of work is June 18. I asked him to provide a blog post. I think you will enjoy hearing his perspective!

We have all heard the old adage that it is better to teach a man to fish than to buy a man a fish. Teaching helps the recipient of training and others for a lifetime. IPS embodies this spirit in immeasurable ways and truly benefits many Tennesseans because of its efforts. It has been a great pleasure for me to work for an organization that is genuinely committed to training, technical assistance, research, special studies, and other forms of service that truly touch the lives of so many people. The University of Tennessee’s Institute for Public Service, and its agencies, CTAS, MTAS, CIS, and LEIC are truly unique in this State and in our country.

A great deal of my work has been in smaller cities that have limited administrative capability, and it has always amazed me that when any one of the IPS agency consultants walk in the door at city hall, in a manufacturing facility, or a police agency, they are viewed with great respect, because our clients recognize the credibility that they bring. It is imperative that IPS continue to provide first class consultants with hands on experience in their area of management or expertise to continue a first class level of technical assistance for its clients.

My greatest reward has been to be a part of a team of consultants who are committed to improving the lives of Tennesseans that they serve. Last week I facilitated an Elected Officials Academy in the small Town of Spencer, and one of the aldermen commented in her evaluation that the consultant is very knowledgeable, and the session was right on target. IPS and its agencies are truly “right on target”, and I am confident that the leadership of the University of Tennessee will ensure that the agency’s mission will remain “right on target.”

Don Darden
don.darden@tennessee.edu