BEEVILLE, Texas Coastal Bend College hosted a distinguished Black History Month panel at the Grady C. Hogue Learning Resource Center on the CBC Beeville campus on February 17, 2026, welcoming students, employees, and community members for an open discussion centered on leadership, education, representation, and community impact.
Moderated by Kevin Behr, Vice Chair of the Coastal Bend College Board of Trustees, the event brought together a panel of local and campus leaders:
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Travis Fanning, Superintendent of Schools, Beeville ISD
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Dr. Dreand Johnson, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Coastal Bend College
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Dr. Eric R. Tarver, Pastor, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church
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Dr. Celvin G. Walwyn, Chief of Police, Coastal Bend College
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Elester Williams, Assistant Professor of Biology and Faculty President, Coastal Bend College
Opening remarks thanked the panelists for their service and emphasized the importance of reflecting on leadership in education during Black History Month. Behr framed the discussion as both a celebration of Black educators and changemakers and a challenge to continue strengthening access and opportunity across the region.
Leadership Begins with Influence and Intention
When asked to define leadership in the context of education, panelists consistently returned to one theme. Leadership is less about power and more about influence, example, and intentional guidance.
Dr. Eric R. Tarver described educational leadership as “intentional influence and guidance” that creates the conditions where teaching and learning can thrive. He emphasized the value of dialogue, listening, clarifying, and refining as hallmarks of strong leadership.
Travis Fanning reinforced that leadership is not about control. “If you’re leading and nobody’s following, then all you’re doing is taking a walk,” Fanning said, emphasizing that real leadership builds shared vision, trust, and collective commitment.
Elester Williams noted that influence does not require a title. Leadership, he said, is “showing up and bringing your best,” because someone may need that steadiness and example in a critical moment.
Dr. Celvin G. Walwyn described leadership as setting the example and treating employees “like they matter,” adding that consistent respect and accountability are foundational to any successful organization.
Dr. Dreand Johnson emphasized that leadership requires intentionality toward common goals and teamwork, particularly in higher education where the central mission is helping students succeed.
The Influences Behind the Leaders
As the conversation turned personal, panelists shared early influences that shaped their journeys. Many credited parents and family members as their first teachers, followed by educators who set high expectations and pushed them toward excellence.
Dr. Tarver spoke about his parents and community leaders who taught him to lead with principle, love people, and remain committed even in difficult moments.
Fanning reflected on the work ethic instilled at home and reinforced by teachers and counselors who helped him pursue scholarships and navigate the path to college.
Dr. Johnson described growing up with clear expectations around discipline and education and explained how early exposure to different cultures shaped his understanding of education’s role in community progress.
Williams credited faculty mentors who went beyond their required duties to guide and support him through advanced studies.
Walwyn shared a formative story about his father’s quiet leadership lessons and the encouragement of his wife, who returned to school alongside him to ensure he completed his academic journey.
Representation and Telling Your Own Story
A central focus of the panel was the importance of representation in educational leadership.
Dr. Tarver said representation helps answer a critical question many students ask: Do I belong? He stressed that diverse leadership is essential to shaping policy and reflecting the communities institutions serve.
Fanning explained that representation motivates students who need to see leaders who look like them while also expanding perspectives across cultures.
Dr. Johnson shared that students have expressed surprise upon learning that Black educators serve in leadership roles outside of athletics, highlighting the importance of visible role models.
Williams offered a scientific perspective. Speaking as a biologist, he explained that humans share 99.99 percent of their DNA, meaning biological differences are minimal. However, he emphasized that culture shapes narrative. “You truly don’t get to tell your own story if you’re not there in the room,” Williams said.
Walwyn shared experiences from early in his law enforcement career and connected those moments to the importance of visibility in leadership roles where representation has historically been limited.
Preparing the Next Generation
Panelists agreed that leadership carries a responsibility to prepare future leaders.
Dr. Tarver urged leaders to mentor intentionally and build successors. “Work yourself out of a job,” he said, encouraging leaders to ensure vision and opportunity continue beyond their tenure.
Fanning described developing others as a moral obligation. Leaders must invest in people and remove ego from the process, he said, so progress continues.
Dr. Johnson emphasized preserving and teaching history so that communities learn from past events rather than repeat them.
Williams framed education as a commitment to equipping students to exceed their mentors, particularly in high demand healthcare and science fields.
Walwyn highlighted the importance of building trust with students and demonstrating that their starting point does not define their destination.
The panel closed with appreciation for the speakers and participants and a shared commitment to leading with purpose, mentoring intentionally, and continuing to strengthen opportunities for students across the Coastal Bend region.
The full video may be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOEvK8rxxcY&t=1828s