Mount Vernon Now Summer 2011 : Page-2

“The More Things Change, the More Things We have all heard this phrase. As I reflect on this expression, I understand its generally accepted meaning—the connotation that there is “nothing new under the sun.” As time marches on, we are faced with the same issues, challenges and questions that have confronted human history, whether it was last week, last year, a generation ago or thousands of years ago. While civilizations have advanced, we are still grappling to understand the nature of love, hate, death, life, aging, relationships, conflict, service, community, happiness, fulfillment, joy, contentment, power, brokenness and many other values and ideas. All of these come into sharp focus at the intersections of life, such as transition to adulthood, graduation, marriage, death of loved ones, raising children and living on a university campus. Although the context has changed, the content of questions surrounding each of these has been a fundamental part of every culture throughout the history of humanity. Each generation has been challenged to understand the cyclical nature of life and its questions while simultaneously seeking to address such with critical thinking skills in order to develop a foundational response and shared values and beliefs. So, yes—the more things change, the more things stay the same. We understand that. However, allow me to briefly explore the concept a little deeper: The more things change—the nature of our world continues to develop and change. Higher education is not immune to this. In this issue, our provost, Dr. Henry Spaulding, does a masterful job of identifying the issues we are facing in higher education as he reflects on the observation of the ancient philosopher Heraclitus when he stated that it is impossible to step into the same river twice. The landscape of higher education has been changing, is changing and will continue to change. Change is constant, but from a presidential perspective, the pace of change is faster than it has ever been. Given the fact that the world and the environment in which we function continue to change, we have focused the third initiative of the University Plan (Environment) as our response to position the institution for optimal performance. If the University is to be effective and vibrant, it must continue to seek ways in which to distinguish itself, enhance relevancy and strengthen its programs and operations to transform itself in order to face a challenging, demanding and changing future. Thus, the elements with the “Environment” initiative of the University Plan create structures, systems and strategies that improve internal operations and allow us to more effectively respond to an ever-changing external environment. As we do the “right” things—those which are most beneficial for student learning and growth—we want to make sure we are doing the right things right. The Environment initiative ensures we will remain effective in supporting and advancing programs and operations that appropriately focus institutional resources and energy. Stay the Same?” I invite you to view the University Plan on our website (visit www.mvnu.edu, click on “President’s Office” from Quick Links) and view the action and progress we are making in this critical area. It is my belief that if we do not define our future, our future will define us. Our mission is too important and we believe in it too much to allow our very identity to be shaped and formed by a world with little disregard for our fundamental philosophy and faith. As I have thought about the section of the phrase, “the more things stay the same,” I see it two ways: 1. On one hand, the more cultural, political or economic changes we encounter, one thing that should and WILL always stay the same is MVNU’s mission and purpose. We must stand resolute and firm in our institutional calling and commitment to Christ, refusing to be tossed about by the external forces of change. 2. However, on the other hand, in order to effectively address these forces, we cannot stay the same and effectively fulfill our mission and the hope of our vision. Our programs, structures and processes must continually adapt to the rapid pace of change in order that we might remain relevant to a changing context without compromising our core values and guiding principles. We must remain cognizant of the changing nature of the higher education landscape and live the very epitome of what it means to be a “learning organization.” In conclusion, and in consideration of our efforts at the University, I offer an answer to the question in the title: Because things change, we will (and we won’t) stay the same. 2 Mount Vernon NOW On one hand, the more cultur al, political or economic changes we encounter, one thing that should and WILL always stay the same is MVNU’s mission and purpose.

"The More Things Change, The More Things Stay The Same?"

We have all heard this phrase. As I reflect on this expression, I understand its generally accepted meaning—the connotation that there is “nothing new under the sun.” As time marches on, we are faced with the same issues, challenges and questions that have confronted human history, whether it was last week, last year, a generation ago or thousands of years ago. While civilizations have advanced, we are still grappling to understand the nature of love, hate, death, life, aging, relationships, conflict, service, community, happiness, fulfillment, joy, contentment, power, brokenness and many other values and ideas. All of these come into sharp focus at the intersections of life, such as transition to adulthood, graduation, marriage, death of loved ones, raising children and living on a university campus. Although the context has changed, the content of questions surrounding each of these has been a fundamental part of every culture throughout the history of humanity.Each generation has been challenged to understand the cyclical nature of life and its questions while simultaneously seeking to address such with critical thinking skills in order to develop a foundational response and shared values and beliefs. So, yes—the more things change, the more things stay the same. We understand that.However, allow me to briefly explore the concept a little deeper: The more things change—the nature of our world continues to develop and change. Higher education is not immune to this. In this issue, our provost, Dr. Henry Spaulding, does a Masterful job of identifying the issues we are facing in higher education as he reflects on the observation of the ancient philosopher Heraclitus when he stated that it is impossible to step into the same river twice. The landscape of higher education has been changing, is changing and will continue to change. Change is constant, but from a presidential perspective, the pace of change is faster than it has ever been. Given the fact that the world and the environment in which we function continue to change, we have focused the third initiative of the University Plan (Environment) as our response to position the institution for optimal performance.If the University is to be effective and vibrant, it must continue to seek ways in which to distinguish itself, enhance relevancy and strengthen its programs and operations to transform itself in order to face a challenging, demanding and changing future. Thus, the elements with the “Environment” initiative of the University Plan create structures, systems and strategies that improve internal operations and allow us to more effectively respond to an ever-changing external environment.As we do the “right” things—those which are most beneficial for student learning and growth—we want to make sure we are doing the right things right.The Environment initiative ensures we will remain effective in supporting and advancing programs and operations that appropriately focus institutional resources and energy. I invite you to view the University Plan on our website (visit www.mvnu.edu, click on “President’s Office” from Quick Links) and view the action and progress we are making in this critical area. It is my belief that if we do not define our future, our future will define us. Our mission is too important and we believe in it too much to allow our very identity to be shaped and formed by a world with little disregard for our fundamental philosophy and faith. As I have thought about the section of the phrase, “the more things stay the same,” I see it two ways: 1. On one hand, the more cultural, political or economic changes we encounter, one thing that should and WILL always stay the same is MVNU’s mission and purpose. We must stand resolute and firm in our institutional calling and commitment to Christ, refusing to be tossed about by the external forces of change. 2. However, on the other hand, in order to effectively address these forces, we cannot stay the same and effectively fulfill our mission and the hope of our vision. Our programs, structures and processes must continually adapt to the rapid pace of change in order that we might remain relevant to a changing context without compromising our core values and guiding principles. We must remain cognizant of the changing nature of the higher education landscape and live the very epitome of what it means to be a “learning organization.” In conclusion, and in consideration of our efforts at the University, I offer an answer to the question in the title: Because things change, we will (and we won't) stay the same.

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