Legacy Voices: Our View of Today’s University From the President Emeritus, Dr. James Womack ’63
I
parked and walked around campus the other day, thinking about the 126 years of this remarkable University.
As I walked, two things pressed on my mind. First, for a campus to thrive in three centuries requires a succession of superior leadership. Studies today have concluded that institutional success is all about leadership. Second, resources play an essential role in a university's achieving its mission. Where students study, eat, sleep, and worship makes a difference in their education. From my perspective, Bushnell University has superb prospects looking forward. It has a strong heritage of courageous leaders, beginning with its namesake, James Addison Bushnell. What a great name. Look at its present leaders. It has a forward-thinking Board of Trustees and a management team of a president and vice-presidents who are uniquely qualified by education and experience. Their example as church leaders is impressive, too. Gazing at the donor recognition wall in the Morse Center, I realized many generous contributors still support the University. Numerous new donors have joined them. Several years of income exceeding expense, including funding depreciation, is evidence of fiscal discipline. The financial leadership of benefactors and administrative budget restraint is a consequential strength. The University's faculty has achieved degrees from an impressive variety of notable universities, nationally and internationally. They are a faculty with broad experience to create degrees, craft curricula, develop academic policy, and design internships. They are spiritual mentors as well. Many counselors and directors are life coaches in the residence halls, library, business office, and student life offices. Bushnell students are blessed. Present-day student leaders continue the tradition of mature, energetic, community-minded involvement that enriches the city and campus. And they are open about their Christian faith. As I walked through the Goodrich Administration Building, it became clear that some facilities are inadequate. University leaders can overcome some dull resources. However, the campus needs attention, and program areas require growth and enrichment. Of course, campus leaders know this better than anyone. I am delighted with the people, programs, and plans of the University and pray for God's continued blessings.
6 The Beacon / VENTURE FORWARD / Summer 2021
