From the President’s Desk

Purim began February 27.  I nearly overlooked it.

Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar.  It commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination.

The story is recorded in the Book of Esther.  Heroes of the story are Esther and her uncle, Mordecai.

The villain of the story is Haman, an arrogant, egotistical advisor to the king.  Haman hated Mordecai, and he plotted to destroy not only Mordecai, but the entire Jewish people in Persia. The Scripture tells the story of how Esther saved the people from annihilation.

As I reflect on this powerful story of deliverance, I keep returning to the conversation between Haman and the king.  Haman was interested in starting a rumor regarding the alleged disloyalty of Mordecai—and all the Jews—to the king.   The king, apparently with minimal interest in the accuracy of the claim, said, “Well it must be true. Go take care of it.” 

Rumors are an amazingly powerful force. They often are widely disseminated with no discernable source or a known authority for its truth.  Sometimes rumors are true; sometimes they are not.  Often they possess a kernel of truth—but not “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

Rumors regarding Hiwassee College have circulated during the past ten days or so.  Let me set the record straight.Hiwassee’s total assets are approximately $11.8 million, slightly less than Harvard University! Hiwassee’s total debt is approximately $500,000, less than half of what it was a year ago—considerably less than Harvard’s!

Hiwassee has not sold its campus. We have used two parcels of the college’s 411 acres as security for some business transactions.  The property, however, returns to Hiwassee when the terms are complete.

Innuendos regarding misuse of funds for federal programs are untrue. We have a clean record.

Hiwassee has recognition by TRACS, an accrediting body which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  

The men’s basketball team’s travel to the national tournament was underwritten by gifts specified by individuals for that purpose.  A professional bus driver volunteered his time for the transportation.

Hiwassee’s current challenge is cash flow.  Some of this challenge will be reduced in mid-April, when we anticipate resumption of access to federal financial aid and loan resources.  However, more funds are needed.

Hiwassee needs the support of the community during this interim time.  With your support, we will be fine.

A newspaper has a limited number of column inches per edition.  It is impossible for an editor to get on the front page—or any page—all the news that every reader believes is the most important news item of the day.  I was managing editor of my college newspaper and I know first-hand this is the case!

Here are two “front page” headlines of some fine happening at Hiwassee.

This week, the Hiwassee Tigers men’s basketball team travels to Fayette, Pennsylvania, to participate in the national tournament of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.  This is the first time in several years the men’s team has been in such a tourney.  

The eight member team, coached by alumnus Darrian Jones, is ranked fifth in the nation!  This is remarkable for several reasons.

First, our team is small in number with eight players—but large in determination.  The team’s schedule has been arduous, competing against larger teams from larger schools.

This is a transition year, moving from a two-year to four-year athletic program.  Most of the teams Hiwassee has played included juniors and seniors, teams with extra years to gel and mature.  We have stood our ground.

In addition, we are in the wrong division.  The USCAA accidentally placed Hiwassee in the division with schools providing athletic scholarships.  Hiwassee does not provide athletics scholarships.   I wonder how we would have done against non-scholarship schools!

The team’s first game is on March 4 at noon, versus Southern Virginia University. You can track the team’s progress this week at the following site:  http://theuscaa.com/pdffiles/BB10Landing.pdf .

I always am impressed by the quality of our weekly chapel services, coordinated by the Reverend Betty Furches, our chaplain.

This past week, three students provided excellent music for the service, including  an original number composed by Yeudi Gerardo Ramirez Araya, a student from Costa Rica.

Our student body may be small, but the quality is high!

Hiwassee is changing the world by enriching students’ lives and challenging them to grow.  This happens because of the marvelous dedication of faculty and staff and the learning and living environment they create.

We all need to support Hiwassee and it mission of changing the world.

Karla and I will leave Hiwassee College and Madisonville in a couple months. 

The decision to do so results from months of prayer and discernment regarding what God is calling us to do and where we are called to do it. That’s the same process that brought us to Hiwassee a little more than seven years ago.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as president of Hiwassee College.  Hiwassee has a great history and a marvelous future.  My decision to resign results from an understanding that the primary reason I was called to be president at Hiwassee, to help address issues of accreditation and position was to help address the issues of accreditation and to position the college and its programs for a lively future.

Now it is time for new leadership to assume the reigns of the college and lead Hiwassee to its next plateau.

I am grateful for the friendship we have experienced in this community and for the colleagues with whom I have worked.  My prayers are with Hiwassee College as she secures new leadership and moves forward.

Presidential transition does not mean the end of tradition.   Twenty-one presidents, and several interim presidents, have led Hiwassee College during its 161 year tradition.  The tradition will continue.

It should continue. 

Hiwassee is in the midst of its annual spring fundraising emphasis.  The financial support of the community, both from individuals and businesses, is essential to Hiwassee’s current and future strength.  

We secure gifts from alumni and friends from around the world, but the local gifts are extremely important. 

Hiwassee is an economic engine for the region, generating approximately $15 million for the local economy and employing nearly one hundred individuals.  That is a significant reason to support the college.

There is an even better reason to support Hiwassee.  Financial gifts from the local community are invested in scholarship support for students from Monroe and nearby counties.  It is an investment in our neighbors and the future of our community.  These students—our daughters, sons, and neighbors—make a difference in our community and help make the world a better place.  Teachers, preachers, businesspersons, and political leaders in our region started their education at Hiwassee and are changing the world.

Help make this year’s campaign a marvelous success.

Judy Lee is chair of this year’s community effort.

Seven years ago this week, I began my tenure as president of Hiwassee College.  I remember standing on the front porch of the house early on the morning of Wednesday, February 10, looking out over the campus and its buildings, and gazing even further to the see the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.   Then I went to work.

I won’t bore you with a reflection on all occurrences of the past seven years.  However, I do want to give a reflection regarding what has transpired at Hiwassee in recent months. 

Twelve students have been invited to become members of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honorary society for two-year colleges.  Induction will take place on March 7.   Hiwassee College has the oldest PTK Chapter in Tennessee.

A team from the Council on Dental Accreditation visited campus last week to review plans for the pending dental hygiene program.  It was a most helpful visit.  Shelly Waters, Director of the Hygiene Program, is doing an excellent job leading the development of the program.  Remodeling for the clinic will begin in the future.

Hiwassee’s on-line study program is under way, with Dr. Sandra Tomkins teaching Freshman Composition.

Several students are enrolled in the reinstituted baccalaureate programs.

Our accreditation status with TRACS is recognized by major universities and colleges in our area, affirming what we already knew:  Hiwassee College has a strong academic program.

The University Senate of The United Methodist Church has affirmed Hiwassee as a United Methodist-related college for the next five years.

Hiwassee’s annual community fundraising campaign is beginning with a goal of $100,000.  Two significant gifts already have been received.  Community support is a good investment.  Economic assessments indicate the college generates about $15 million dollars for the local economy—not bad for a $100,000 investment!

Of course, there have been challenges.  Every day is an adventure.  One of my slogans is “there are a multitude of challenges—and an equal number of opportunities.”

I still stand on the porch some mornings.  I look at the college and see the mountains.  Both have been here a long time.  One—the mountains—is impressive for its natural beauty.  The other—Hiwassee—is impressive for its impact in shaping lives and creating opportunities for past, current and future generations of learners.

On January 21, the University Senate of The United Methodist Church voted that Hiwassee continue to be listed as a United Methodist-related college.  This is great news!

The listing continues for a period of five years.

In 2009, the Senate had voted to delist Hiwassee because it did not have regional accreditation.  We submitted a formal request for reconsideration and our listing as United Methodist-related continued until reconsideration was completed two weeks ago.

We are gratified by the University Senate’s recognition of Hiwassee’s longstanding mission in the United Methodist tradition.  The release from the Senate stated “The Holston Conference, the resident bishop and the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees continue their strong support for the extraordinary mission for the college . . .” as it serves individuals of the region.

Hiwassee College has been part of the Methodist tradition since its founding.  The relationship with our Church shapes who we are and how we conduct our mission.

According to the University Senate’s “Marks of a United Methodist-related educational institution,” United Methodist-related colleges:

• Respects, honors and provides the teaching of religion, and specifically, appropriate scholarly theological teaching in the Christian tradition within the curriculum. In the case of professional institutions and programs, the curriculum includes opportunity for faculty and student reflection on the ethical dimensions of professional practice.
• Respects and honors religious practice and, specifically, worship and service for students and faculty who choose to participate in the Christian tradition within the total life of the school.
• Allows faculty and students to explore the place of religious belief and practice, and specifically, the intellectual dimensions of Christian faith, in all academic disciplines and co-curricular activities.
• Encourages the exploration of the place of religious belief and practice in the larger society and advocates appropriate recognition of the contributions of religion to public life.
• Recognizes the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church and seeks to create a community of scholarship and learning which facilitates social justice.
• Includes in its faculty, administrative officers, and board of trustees persons who understand and respect the relationship with the United Methodist Church.

The University Senate will monitor the college’s progress during the ensuing five year period.

Last weekend, Karla and I were privileged to have two wonderful guests in our home, Dr. Bill and Anne Frame.  The Frames are a retired presidential couple, having led Augsburg College in Minnesota for a decade.  Karla and I know them through another connection.

Bill and Anne were leaders of a program called, “Presidential Vocation and Institutional Mission”.  Coordinated through the Council for Independent Colleges and funded by a grant from the Lily Foundation, the program brought together presidents and spouses from several colleges for times to reflect on each individual’s—and each couple’s—understanding of personal vocation as a president and how the personal understanding matched the stated –or unstated—mission of the institution they serve.

Bill and Anne also mentored us through regular phone conversations and discussion.  They were a gift to our lives.  Their time on campus reminded me they continue to be a gift to us!  We talked and listened and shared for hours.

What drew Karla and me to Hiwassee was its mission, and our understanding of being called by God to a ministry of transforming lives through higher education in a value-centered Christian environment.  It was a fit—our sense of vocation and Hiwassee’s mission.

Theologian Frederick Buechner says “the place God calls you is where your deep gladness and the world’s deepest hunger meet.”  This has been the case for us.

There is another part of the mix: following our call to make a difference each day.

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “The days come and go like muffled and veiled figures sent from a distant friendly party, but they say nothing, and if we do use the gifts they bring, they carry them as silently away.” 

Days come to us every twenty-four hours, a gift from God.  They are the landscape on which we can make our contribution, using our gifts and opportunities.  The day that is today will be gone when the clock strikes midnight.  If we chose to do nothing, the day goes away, silently, unmarked, not influenced by our gifts, our commitments, or our beliefs.

At the beginning of each day, it is good to pause to remember the opportunities before us and to resolve to make a positive contribution to our community and the world.  At the end of each day, it is important to pause to give thanks for the opportunities we have had to make a difference.  

Peter had a dream that changed the way he would live.  In his dream, found in the Book of Acts 10: 10-16, a sheet came down from heaven. On it were all kinds of “creatures, reptiles and birds.”  Some of these animals were considered unclean and not fit to be eaten.  He refused the invitation to do so, but then heard a voice from Heaven, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.”

As Peter continued his ministry, his message included the important learning from his dream, “God is no respecter of persons”–God treats all persons alike.  His preaching kept the dream’s wisdom. 

Monday, January 18 is Martin Luther King Day.  It is a day to remember the power of keeping dreams alive.

I suspect the most remembered address by Dr. King is his “I have a Dream” speech, presented from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.: 

“And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. .  . .

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. . . .

“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; ‘and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together’.”

We have responsibility for keeping dreams alive.

Many of us remember being asked when we were children, “what do you want to be when you grow up?”   That question was nurturing dreams.  Career days at school continue the pattern, helping children and youth explore what might and can be.

At Hiwassee, we nurture dreams and help keep dreams alive. Thousands of individuals had educational dreams realized and went on to teach, preach, or work in business and then nurture the dreams of others.

Encouraging dreams leads to progress. Crushing individual’s dreams leads to despair.

Let’s keep dreams alive—in ourselves and in others. \

A man on Collingwood Road in Alexandria, Virginia, puts on a Christmas display that is simply awesome.  It grows with each year, in size, audience, and complexity.

Lights cover his home, his trees and bushes, and his lawn.  Wires suspend lights between trees as well.  Set to music in a manner as fine as any theatrical presentation, the 220,000 lights, strobe lights, lighted wire frames, FM broadcasting, and computerized synchronization, share a powerful message of hope, joy, and imagination.

The two-week light show must be expensive in terms of the electrical power used, let alone in terms of the lights and radio sound and time invested in the performance.  It is an experience! 

I read some remarks by Bill Vaughan, the individual who creates this annual extravaganza.

“I began decorating our house for Christmas nearly 19 years ago, each year changing the display as well as adding more to it. My house is located across the street from a retirement home.  About 13 years ago, shortly after Christmas as I was taking down the lights, a woman stopped to talk. She explained that she worked at the home and wanted to thank me for the annual display. She went on to mention how much joy it brought the residents each year and in particular one individual.

“She told me Mrs. Edwards was the house expert on the display and how much joy and anticipation the display bought her each year. Then she went on to say Mrs. Edwards passed away a few days after Christmas and she wanted to thank me for the comfort it brought to her in those final days.”

Vaughan’s display is the largest animated residential display in Virginia. Karla and I go by each year; it is located a mile from her family’s home.

The darkest day of the year in the northern hemisphere was December 21, the Winter Solstice.  Since then, the minutes of daylight are increasing daily. 

There are sources of light other than Christmas displays and the sun.  One is the light of hope that comes from the kind deeds and commitments of others.

Hiwassee College is one of those sources of light.  For 160 years, Hiwassee has been a source of encouragement and hope, helping individuals discover their vocation and fulfill their dreams. 

Hiwassee’s light of hope is brightest when it receives the support of the community.

Keep the lights burning!

Current students return to—and new students arrive at—Hiwassee College tomorrow.  Their arrival marks the beginning of Scene II of the one-hundred-sixtieth act of the ongoing drama called Hiwassee College.

The story of Hiwassee College is a drama, an ongoing saga of how folk in the region gave birth to an educational institution that would impact the area—and the world—for eight score years.

Some of my columns during the fall offered glimpses into the history—the earlier acts—of the college, from its founding, its relationship with the Church, and early challenges and opportunities.   There were exciting moments of growth, of  students getting first—and second—chances to achieve their educational aspirations,; it also included characters who made their unique contribution to the college and the world.

As we prepare for Act 160, Scene II, let me recount some of developments of the fall semester.

Student enrollment increased by more than fifteen percent. 

Several new programs began. These include our unique baccalaureate level degrees in interdisciplinary, pastoral, and equestrian studies.

Hiwassee’s athletic programs found new vigor as we moved to the four-year United States Collegiate Athletic Association. The men’s basketball team is ranked sixth in the nation; women are ranked twenty-third.

Of course, the greatest event of the fall’s “scene” was receiving recognition by a national accrediting body— the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.  Following a complete and thorough review, TRACS brought Hiwassee College into the first stage of full membership. Attaining this status makes Hiwassee students eligible for the benefits of accreditation.  It also affirms the quality of Hiwassee’s academic programs and ensures transferability of credits to other quality institutions.  

Scene II begins tomorrow. 

We anticipate a fine number of new students.

Expanded upper division courses are in place.  Online programs in Criminal Justice-Homeland Security and Business-Entrepreneurship are in place.

The developing Dental Hygiene program will be reviewed in February by the Council on Dental Accreditation.

The greatest continuing theme is financial.  Hiwassee is working its way through economic challenges, and we need the community’s support. There are creative ways to help.  I would be pleased to visit with you to discuss the various options.

The drama of Hiwassee College is in its 160^th season.  Your support will help pave the way for season 161, a season of continued service to the region and the world.

The end of one year and the beginning of the next includes the time-honored practice of creating New Year’s resolutions.

A New Year’s resolution is an individual’s commitment to a project or to reforming a habit—or starting a new one.  I remember New Year resolutions I made when I was young:  clean up my room every day; always do my homework as soon as I get home from school; wash my car weekly and keep it spotless.

My resolutions changed as I increased in age. One resolution remains—cleaning my desk (I have given up on the whole room).  My resolve to exercise more and take more self-care is made—and quickly broken each year.  The same is true for my resolve to not work twelve-hour days and make more time for family.

Resolutions often are developed with the deepest commitment to fulfill them.  Many folk write their resolutions and display them prominently as a reminder.  One individual accurately has described these first-of-the-year commitments as going into effect January first and “remaining in place until fulfilled—or abandoned!”  Experience proves this wisdom to be true!

A recent resolution study revealed that while fifty-two percent of the participants were confident of success with their goals, only twelve percent actually achieved those goals.

Men achieved their goal twenty-two percent more often when they engaged in setting small, measurable, incremental goals—such as “lose a pound a week”, rather than simply “lose weight”.  Women succeeded ten percent more when they made goals public and received support from friends.

Success with resolutions seems to be more likely when one utilizes the “rolling forecast” method, whereby plans are established at regular short or medium-term intervals, rather grandiose resolves with no opportunity for intermediate success and encouragement.  The novice runner, for example, has a better chance of achieving her resolve to run ten miles if she sets and achieves intermediate goals of regularly increasing the length of her run.

I hope I will be successful with this year’s resolutions: the clean desk; the clean car; and even exercising and losing weight.  I also hope to be successful with other resolutions: to love my neighbor; to remember the poor; and to give of my resources to noble causes.  I cannot succeed all at once, but only one day at a time.

Whatever your resolutions, may you meet them one day at a time.

Happy New Year!