By Gabrielle Fitzgerald
High school valedictorian, University of Kansas Student Body president, top ten percent of the class at Virginia’s Law School, the college’s newly-elected trustee knows the meaning of hard work.
Greg Musil attributes much of his success to his grassroots childhood. Not only did it give him a desire to do his best, but also to be involved in the community, he said.
Growing up in the small town of Frankfort, Kansas, just an hour north of Manhattan, Musil followed his friends to Kansas State University. Originally attending on an ROTC scholarship, his plans were abruptly altered when he lost his leg in a gun accident: thinking the gun wasn’t loaded, his roommate fired it at Musil’s right leg. Musil ultimately lost that leg.
Musil missed a semester of school while dealing with medical issues. He admits it was difficult to adjust to a new lifestyle but his family’s down-to-earth mentality reminded him that even though his situation was unfortunate, he would overcome it. Musil continued to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer, but had to give up any idea of being associated with the army. He became student body president at Kansas State University and used the position to help save the destruction of Nichol’s Hall, which was eventually restored.
Years after getting a law degree from Virginia Tech, running for Congress, and helping with a number of political campaigns, he returned to his home state. His favorite thing about Johnson County is the number of ways to get involved in the community. Musil has been involved in everything from local campaigns to his daughters’ sports teams.
“Ninety percent of life is just showing up,” Musil said, quoting Woody Allen.
College president Terry Calaway called Musil “a great community leader.”
Despite Musil’s resume, his heart is truly for the community and its students.
“His commitment to students is really pretty special,” said Calaway.
One of Musil’s priorities is to find ways for students to connect on campus. The board is actively trying new ways to make students feel more comfortable and safe around campus.
Musil considers his two daughters, Elizabeth and Madeline, to be his greatest achievement. However, his close second is helping pass a ballot that ensures judges will continue to be appointed and not elected, called Johnson Countians for Justice.
Musil’s advice for college students is “to go to class,” but also “enjoy college.”
Musil said he never found a solution to fear, but said fear is not a bad thing; often it is just the desire to get in and do something. It pushes you to prepare and study your hardest; if you lose or fail, at least you know you did everything you possibly could.
Despite Musil’s successful career, he realizes that it is the community that truly makes a person.
“In Johnson County, there are plenty of places where a young college kid can get involved,” Musil said.
Contact Gabrielle Fitzgerald, reporting correspondent, at gfitzge1@stumail.jccc.edu.