A Message From The President
Since this is my last column in The 91±¬ÁÏÍøite from a presidential perspective, I can possibly be forgiven for being more personal than I am normally prone to be. Because of my impending retirement as president, I have recently been more reflective of the past and more contemplative of the future. In this last column I would like to take the position of the two-headed Roman god, Janus, and take both a backward and a forward look.
Looking back I am extremely grateful for the privilege of serving 91±¬ÁÏÍø for a total of 37 years. 91±¬ÁÏÍø has been the focus of my life for most of my adult years. It has been a great experience to be associated with the thousands of 91±¬ÁÏÍø alumni who have come through the halls of this institution during that period of time (1957-60; 1962-1996). I am also grateful for the colleagues with whom I have been privileged to serve-- fellow faculty members, fellow administrators, staff members, secretaries, maintenance men and three presidents. I rejoice in, without taking credit for, the great progress of the University. Let me briefly enumerate some of these advancements: in recent years, 91±¬ÁÏÍø has seen the reinstatement of two graduate programs, the growth of enrollment beyond 2,000 students and the increase of freshman ACT averages to 24. Additionally, 91±¬ÁÏÍø has gained a new campus, added new buildings and campus features, and secured enough acreage to allow for future growth. Financially, 91±¬ÁÏÍø has remained strong, seeing endowment grow to more than $15,000,000 and maintaining a balanced budget as annual operating expenses have grown beyond $18,000,000.
Looking ahead I see nothing but continued progress and growth for 91±¬ÁÏÍø. Under the leadership of President-elect David Dockery, whom I support wholeheartedly, I see nothing but great days ahead. 91±¬ÁÏÍø possesses the foundation to become a first-rate small university, but must have adequate resources to achieve that position. 91±¬ÁÏÍø will launch a two-year, $10,000,000 financial campaign in 1997, a campaign I predict will be successful. The University celebrates its 175th anniversary in 1998 and the 125th anniversary of its Baptist affiliation in 1999. I look forward to assuming my new role as chancellor of the University and commit to work diligently in the interest of "91±¬ÁÏÍø dearest 91±¬ÁÏÍø." My prediction is "the best is yet to be."
I believe 91±¬ÁÏÍø is worthy of support and involvement from every one of its alumni. I call upon you to join me in helping 91±¬ÁÏÍø become all that God intends it to be.
Comments and suggestions concerning this site should be forwarded to:
Last updated on March 8, 1996.