The first bi-focaled administrator
One of the most difficult challenges we as university administrators have is balancing the reality of the present (doing the work), with what is necessary to ensure a successful and sustainable future. It reminds me of first wearing bi-focal spectacles – I needed one type of lens for reading, and the other for distance.
As APU’s leaders we have to do the same, focus on today but be able to “see” into the future. To do this with excellence, we need to know what is keeping us a Christ-centered comprehensive university heading in the right direction. Students and knowledge guide this direction. I am probably not the most knowledgeable on the student factor, but I have strong convictions around knowledge. I have just read an interesting article on “The Dynamic of Knowledge”₁ – let me try and apply it to APU.
APU as a university (1) generates and integrates knowledge through scholarship, both teaching and research. With wisdom, our mission and values we then (2) disseminate and apply this knowledge through teaching, research, publications, speaking engagements etc. (3) We are required to be trustees of knowledge through libraries, special collections and the curricula we develop. (4) We validate knowledge through a level of discernment, that enables us to identify what we teach, value, and then credential through the awarding of degrees. Maybe this is a historic approach to further education – do you think the role has changed? Comment on this blog and let us know!
1 American Council of Education (2009). The Dynamic Nature of Knowledge: Future challenges and opportunities for college and university leaders. Washington, D.C.:ACE
Tags: administration, research, students, teaching, technology
