Last week, BJU publicly announced its 5th president to be Steve Pettit. My timeline was overrun with links, announcements, & responses. I forgot how many Northland-related friends I had (shout out to you guys. I hope the snow shoveling is coming to an end). Ive delayed posting a week or so, partially due to NHL/NBA Playoffs, the NFL Draft, Mothers Day, & a couple of trips to see my new niece. Since BJU is my alma mater, I do have a few thoughts on the hire. Pros: 1. Steve is a good guy. Ive met & conversed with him in person. Furthermore, you can look at his coaching tree to see what kind of person he is. Guys like AaronandStephanie Coffey, Will Galkin, & Jeremy Frazor, all come from that tree. Aaron, if not for a schedule conflict, was due to be in my wedding. Thats what I think of them. 2. He has a degree from outside BJU. Hes a Citadel grad & I think thats healthy. I realize that he part of the Fundamentalist network/de fact denomination. But its still a plus. 3. His last name isnt Jones. This is a perfect time to have a president not in the family. I genuinely hope Stephen heals. And I genuinely hope Steve Pettit is a departure from some of the abrasive tendencies of Dr. Bob III. I thing every alumnus can remember times Dr. Bob III has said something & everyone has cringed. I think this is one of the reasons many of the faculty I know are so excited. Furthermore, Im cautiously optimistic that it will result in better relations between the school & its alumni. At this point BJU needs its alumni more than its alumni need the school. Cons: 1. Is he really academically qualified? His highest degree is an MA. This is not a terminal degree. Look at the presidents of places like Presbyterian, Furman, and Wofford. Look at places like Clearwater and Geneva. They possess terminal degrees with major experience in the academic field. At this point I have more degrees than he does. I hope folks supporting this here realize this is out of the ordinary. I also understand that regional accreditation, easily the most important concept currently facing the school, allows for the possibility of a president without a terminal degree. But why leave this up to speculation? Why give the implicit message that regional accreditation isnt important enough to have a president with a terminal degree and commensurate experience? BJU whiffed on a major opportunity to send a clear message to its alumni & the accreditation agency that its serious about regional accreditation 2. Does he have academic administrative experience? I couldnt find any on his biography. If a terminal degree wasnt an issue to the Board, why not hire someone like Mike Buiter who has massive experience in the business world? Again, I think BJU missed out on an opportunity here. 3. I watched the Larry Jackson Presser. Frankly, it sounded like they were putting together an interview for an ordination exam, not the president of an academic institution. Why was it even necessary for the candidate to be ordained? BJU is a para-church organization, not a church. Heres where I think BJU sent its loudest and most unfortunate message. I think a significant majority of decision makers still view BJU as a church. Its not the church. Theres no real reason for this guy to be ordained. I think that hamstrung the schools and disqualified better candidates (like Brenda Thompson Schoolfield) before the search even started. Getting regional accreditation, viewing itself as the para-church ministry it is, and treating its alumni well are the most important concepts for BJU now. I dont think they made a qualified hire. I understand that for the BJU haters & apologists alike, dissent from their respective narratives is not tolerated. I also want folks to know I was 1 of thousands solicited for my opinion during the search. I also understand that in 5 yrs, I may be proven wrong. I hope so. And, if so, Ill gladly admit it. I wish the school and its new president well in their endeavors. These are tough times for that particular institution. Thats my 2 cents on the issue. Whats yours?
Posted on: Sat, 17 May 2014 19:14:55 +0000
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