Where in the world is/was

[vu72]

You all will be glad to read that Vashil is doing well and that Valparaiso University is located in Maryland

Director of planning and community development shares recipe for success
by Erin DeBlanc | July 7, 2022 at 2:31 p.m.
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Vashil Fernandez, director of planning and community development for the city of Texarkana, Texas, discusses what led him to success, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in City Hall. (Staff photo by Erin DeBlanc)
Editor's Note: This story is the latest in an occasional series on young leaders and entrepreneurs trying to make a difference in Texarkana.
TEXARKANA, Texas -- The American Dream is alive and well, and Vashil Fernandez, city director of planning and community development, exemplifies that notion.

Fernandez moved to the United States in September 2010 from Jamaica. He attended and played basketball at Valparaiso University in Maryland and then lived all over the nation, including in Georgia, Indiana, South Dakota, Florida, California, New York and other places as a professional athlete.

After leaving his sports career, Fernandez became the community development specialist with the city of Texarkana, Texas. But it wasn't long before he was promoted to interim director for planning and then made permanent director on June 20.

"I felt excited and relieved. I was in the interim position for a year, and it was nice to be in a more permanent position," he said.

Fernandez carries the responsibility of writing reports and preparing grant applications, performing GIS analysis and providing information and assistance to the public, as well as other agencies outside the city.

"I manage my staff and the budget for the department. I give oversight to the various grant programs that each staff manages. I also look at long-range comprehensive planning, as well as economic development, neighborhood and downtown revitalization initiatives," he said.

Having the experience and background necessary to carry out such responsibilities is important. But Fernandez credits his success to something different.

"I also think my attitude towards being a servant and my passion for people and development has helped," he said. "Above all that, my passion is to serve God where he has called me to be."

In addition to his job, Fernandez is actively involved in various civic organizations. He is a member of the Texarkana Homeless Coalition, an advisory board member for the Salvation Army, board member of Leadership Texarkana and a member of Greater Texarkana Young Professionals.

Fernandez is a highly motivated individual, enjoying the ins and outs of his career and nonprofit memberships.

"I enjoy the process of putting a plan together and seeing it all the way through to where it is benefiting the community," he said. "I also enjoy getting to know people from various backgrounds."

From Fernandez's perspective, it takes a lot of ambition, the right education and work experience, and a bit of passion to accomplish something great.

"It makes a great impact when it is something that you are passionate about," he said. "Having an academic background is important, but being able to connect with people and adjust to different situations is important as well."

For those interested in a similar career path, Fernandez advises, "find people currently working in the field you would like and seek out their mentorship or guidance."

He suggests obtaining bachelor's and master's degrees in areas such as business, political science, planning, economic development and finance, ideally.

"The ability to communicate with people is a must, as well as being able to solve problems, work with Microsoft Office products and effectively manage multiple projects," he said.

Most important, Fernandez says, is to have faith: "Live with all your might, trust God, and let him guide you."

[valpotx]

I assume that they say Maryland, as I believe that is where he did his prep time. 

It is cool to see him organizing various events through Facebook.  I often see him posting about their chili cookoffs and other events which he has helped to organize.

[justducky]

You all will be glad to read that Vashil is doing well and that Valparaiso University is located in Maryland

When they moved the entire campus to Maryland did they reassemble it with sufficient parking surrounding the ARC?

[David81]

I just hope there's no tundra in Maryland.

[IndyValpo]

Eron Gordon is on the Houston Rockets Summer League roster, which I have to believe is tied to his brother.  Congrats to him, of course, but that is the only reason that would make sense

I happened by NBA TV and Gordon actually got a few minutes in the first half tonight.

[vu72]

For those of you who thought Jake Diebler would want to come to Valpo as head coach, maybe not!

https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/college/basketball/2022/09/07/how-much-do-ohio-states-assistant-mens-basketball-coaches-make/65886009007/

The article does say that the new head coach at Illinois State is making as much as Diebler.

[Valpo89]

He would be crazy to leave a $500,000 job to come to clean up the Beacon mess.

[vu72]

He would be crazy to leave a $500,000 job to come to clean up the Beacon mess.

True. And even more crazy to leave a $1,000,000 job, which is what he is making now!

[FWalum]

And even more crazy to leave a $1,000,000 job, which is what he is making now!

Leading the way is Jake Diebler, coach Chris Holtmann's longest-tenured full-time assistant and the team's lead recruiter. Entering his fourth season with the program, Diebler has been promoted to associate head coach and a salary bump from $340,000 to $500,000.

I didn't see the $1,000,000 number anywhere unless you are thinking he could make another $500,000 from incentives.

All three contracts contain escalators should the Buckeyes achieve on-court benchmarks such as winning league or national championships.

[VU2014]

Anyone know what Trevor Anderson is doing post-graduation? I remember hearing he wanted to get into Coaching. There was some talk that he might become Grad Assistant for Valpo. Not sure if he's back with UW Basketball. If I remember correctly he (and many former players) left on bad terms with Greg Gard UW HC.

[valpotx]

Sheldon Edwards last second shot in regulation saved Loyola an embarrassing home loss against FDU, but he followed it up with a bad second game against UIC:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401487516
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/401487659

[talksalot]

1995-97 stud player, Chris Artis.... Can be seen in the ARC on Saturday night... he's an assistant coach at the University of the Incarnate Word.  For those wondering how/why that game is scheduled.

So far, the Cardinals have lost to North Dakota at home 65-57; Lost on the Road to UNLV 88-63; and demolished Texas Lutheran (not a good sign) 84-47.

[covufan]

1995-97 stud player, Chris Artis.... Can be seen in the ARC on Saturday night... he's an assistant coach at the University of the Incarnate Word.  For those wondering how/why that game is scheduled.

So far, the Cardinals have lost to North Dakota at home 65-57; Lost on the Road to UNLV 88-63; and demolished Texas Lutheran (not a good sign) 84-47.

Homecoming for both ca and Carson Cunningham. Was expecting more from UIW in year 5 of Cunningham. Hopefully, we can make their homecoming unpleasant


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[valpotx]

Well, this is an interesting development.  While Alec Peters has been playing in Greece, and also the EuroLeague, he is now apparently a naturalized Bosnian?  I assume just to get easier consideration/contracts in the European leagues, versus only as one of a few US citizens that each team is able to carry?

https://www.basketball-reference.com/international/players/alec-peters-1.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alec_Peters

[valpotx]

Ryan Broekhoff shooting %'s are back to where he should be with his talent level, so I hope that means that he feels he is in a better place in his life:

https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/61074/ryan-broekhoff

[oklahomamick]

Alec gaining Bosnian citizenship could be that the league has a rule that teams could only have a certain amount of international players.  The league may mandate a certain amount of European players. 

I know the mls and usl do this. 

Or maybe Alec can play on the Bosnian national team and make the Olympics

[JD24]

Alec gaining Bosnian citizenship could be that the league has a rule that teams could only have a certain amount of international players.  The league may mandate a certain amount of European players. I know the mls and usl do this. Or maybe Alec can play on the Bosnian national team and make the Olympics

B&H has never made the Olympics nor the FIBA WC so he not only has to make it but the team has to qualify.

[valpotx]

Alec gaining Bosnian citizenship could be that the league has a rule that teams could only have a certain amount of international players.  The league may mandate a certain amount of European players. I know the mls and usl do this. Or maybe Alec can play on the Bosnian national team and make the Olympics

B&H has never made the Olympics nor the FIBA WC so he not only has to make it but the team has to qualify.

Luka did it for Slovenia, so Alec can be B&H's Luka

[valpotx]

I thought that this was the best place for this post, though it ties to the dialogue in the Indiana State thread, specific to transferring up.  Take a look at the crap that Sheldon has put up at Loyola, after his first few successful games.  So far, that looks like a terrible move on his part (I hold nothing against Sheldon, he was solid Valpo while at Valpo).  Then take a look at All-MVC/future NBA player at the time of transfer, Isiaih Mosley at Missouri, while comparing to his current Mizzou teammate and former UNI opponent Noah Carter.  Think that Sheldon and Isiaih are regretting their moves?  Noah's gamble is paying off, so 1 out of 3 in this case. 

https://loyolaramblers.com/documents/2022/12/31/MBB_Season_Stats.pdf
https://mutigers.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats

[AB]

Mosley Stats. He initially had some very nice games. Fan base liked his play, felt as if he could start. However,  he's not played in the last four or five games. Coach says he's not done anything wrong and that he's working through personal things. Check out the stats. Sheldon, who knows. He transferred to place with more structure and a crowded back court. He certainly was given a lot of freedom at Valpo.

[valpotx]

Right, but 5 of 8 games at/below 4 points?  That is not at all like Mosley.  The other 3 games, yes.

[IndyValpo]

It would appear that Edwards has been phased out significant minutes at Loyola. They got stomped by St Joe and he only played in the last 4 minutes. They were down 20-30 most of the second half. He did score 4 points.

[valpotx]

Loyola is going to suffer in the A-10 for a few years, after their 'golden generation' has now graduated.

[valpo64]

That comment has been heard before...after Alec Peters left

[valpotx]

That comment has been heard before...after Alec Peters left

Yeah, but our 'golden generation' was a strong decade, not just a few years.