Greenwood educator speaks at Women’s Leadership Gathering

The third Women’s Leadership Gathering celebrating Women’s History Month at Erskine was led March 24 by Greenwood District 50 Director for Secondary Education Dr. Beth Larkin Taylor ’78.

She told students, “I came from poverty and I came from divorce.” Coming from that background “gave me the grit and tenacity to go after what I really wanted,” she said.

Taylor, who previously served as principal of Greenwood High School, spoke about the qualities of a leader. “A lot of times, it’s staying calm in the midst of chaos,” she said, advising students to “Stay centered,” and adding that it is often “the small and quiet things you do” that are important.

Citing Matthew 6:24-34, Taylor said that “Do not worry about tomorrow,” Jesus’ admonition in verse 34 of the gospel passage, is a favorite of hers.

“The Lord has carried me,” she said.

Beth Taylor is married to Van Taylor ’75, a member of the Flying Fleet Hall of Fame and longtime soccer coach at Lander University, where a stadium has been named in his honor. They are the parents of two children.

The celebration of Women’s Leadership Month at Erskine included two earlier Women’s Leadership Gatherings with alumnae as guest speakers as well as student participation in the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Women’s Leadership Conference. A Women’s Leadership Tea is planned for March 29.