Communication-centered Approach to Leadership: the Relationship of Interpersonal Communication Competence to Transformational Leadership and Emotional Intelligence

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Many people played a part in the last five years of my life that have culminated in the completion of this document. This short acknowledgement hardly touches the surface of the gratitude that I feel. The last five years have been a constant juggling act between my roles as wife, mother, student, teacher, researcher, school volunteer, advisory board member, cook, maid, driver….I digress. Without the help of my family, friends and the faculty at UTA, I would not have been able to complete this goal. This accomplishment, then, is not mine alone, but shared with several very important people. First and foremost I want to thank my family. My husband, Robert, without whose support and encouragement I doubt I would have seen this through to the end. My wonderful sons, Matthew and Jacob, who had to share me with my studies, my writing and my students when all they really wanted was more " mommy " time. Thanks to the love of these three men in my life, my priorities were always clear. Next, my mentor and friend, Jim Quick, deserves my heartfelt thanks for his time, knowledge and commitment to helping me complete this goal. I truly appreciate his setting the bar high and encouraging me to keep going despite many obstacles along the way. Thank you, Jim, for the opportunity to participate in the Goolsby Leadership Academy under your direction. Thanks also to John and Judy Goolsby, the Faculty and iii the Students of the Goolsby Leadership Academy. The experience with the Academy has provided a foundation for my future in academics and helped clarify my path. A thank you also goes out to the faculty that have helped me along the way. To Myrtle Bell, who from the time of my first seminar to the last days of this dissertation has been a source of constant support. During some of the bleaker days of this five year journey I have survived on the echoing words from Myrtle " you can do this " said in her soft reassuring tone. Also, Gary McMahan who brought humor to the daily grind and whose creativity I truly admire. I am praying for your recovery. Thanks also to Debra Nelson, a calm inspiring role model who offered her help from afar….all the way in Oklahoma. Finally, a big giant thank you to Wendy Casper who was somehow able to …