Lessons from Dr. Kaplan: Showing Up and Doing the Work

Timothy Chester reflects on the impactful lessons learned from Dr. Kaplan during a seminar at Texas A&M. This episode explores the values of preparation, presence, and care in teaching and leadership.

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Chapter 1

Introduction

Timothy Chester

It was the second week of Dr. Kaplan’s seminar, mid-morning, one of those sparse conference rooms in the old Academic Building at Texas A and M—this was nearly 30 years ago. Everyone else filtered in just before start time, but I always got there early to take the seat to his right. That day, I found Dr. Kaplan already there, suit and tie on, perfectly in place, rereading an article he’d assigned us, marking it up as if he hadn’t already read it a hundred times.

Timothy Chester

He smiled and said, “I’m glad you’re early. It means you’re ready to wrestle with the material.” No performance or posturing. Just a quiet invitation to do the work well.

Timothy Chester

That moment stayed with me. It wasn’t just about preparation; it was about presence. In today’s Dispatch, we share lessons from Dr. Kaplan and two other professors whose example shapes how I teach and lead others: show up early, take the work seriously, and treat people with care.

Timothy Chester

...That’s what they modeled. ...It’s how I try to live.