Of all of the indicators of the “goodness of fit” of an academician for an appointment at Abilene Christian University, collegiality cannot be overemphasized.  We are a highly interactive group; there is little time or space for ivory towers on campus.  I believe the ability to work and play well with others is a major determiner of any ACU faculty member’s ability to carry out the primary mission of the university, that of “educating students for Christian service and leadership.”  Service and leadership occur among other people, not in isolation.

The university’s guidelines for tenure and promotion note that “collegiality involves relationships within departments/schools, within colleges, and within the university.”  The guidelines provide examples of how an individual demonstrates the value placed on these relationships:  by sharing personal values and beliefs, being willing and open to new ideas, being considerate, sensitive and caring, demonstrating tolerance for opposing opinions, volunteering to help, and participating in academic discussions and decisions.

I believe that since I arrived at ACU I have demonstrated all of these qualities and behaviors in my interactions at each level of the institution.  I will reflect on my development in the area of collegiality on the pages that follow.

Next. . .Within the Department