Presbyterians Week Headlines
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I must begin this issue of
ARPTalk by apologizing to our readers. In the last issue of ARPTalk, I
announced the following new sports were added at Erskine College: football,
acrobatics, E-Sports, lacrosse, track and field, and rodeo. There are, however,
other sports programs under consideration. At the time, I was unaware of them.
I informed the readers of
ARPTalk that the motion to pass the new sports programs was made by Bobby
McDonald, who, when someone objected to not having time to read the many-paged proposal,
said the board should adopt the proposal, and the members of the board could
read it when they got home. Well, it has taken me some time to obtain a full
copy of the proposal. Hidden in the back of the proposal and in small print
were the other sports programs which are on the table for consideration. I can
now inform our readers that those sports are (1) bass fishing, (2) tractor
pulling. (3) catfish noodling, and (4) alligator trolling with nutria in
Louisiana.
According to President
Gustafson, the justification for sports programs such as these goes like this:
“We are attempting to be relevant to the cultural ethos of our target student
community.” That means, “butts in beds.”
Men and Women’s Bass Fishing
I understand the conversation
among the members of the administration on the possibility of bass fishing was
so exciting it bordered on the giddy. It is reported that Clarence’s Sporting
Goods, Tri-motors Bassemperor Boats, and Fishing Hole Bait and Fly Shops are in
discussions with President Gustafson on the possibility of supporting the
entire program. In a phone interview with Athletic Director Mark Peeler, he
said, “I’m so excited about this opportunity. I can say I am literally in a
tizzy. I have even been in the backyard today where I had the manure pile two
summers ago digging for and collecting worms for our first tournament! I can’t
get over that our college that was once known for its liberal arts programs has
evolved to the point we have a bass fishing program with scholarships. For all
those who say there is no hope for Bubba and Wanda Fay getting a college
athletic scholarship, let me tell you we will soon have one at Erskine College!
And thank you Tri-motors Bassemperor Boats for the new Titan Emperor Deluxe
Edition Bass Boat with heated leather seats. We are mooring it in Lake Academic
behind the rodeo stockyard. Go Fleet!”
Men and Women’s Tractor Pulling
According to Bobby McDonald,
“Tractor pulling is a perfect sport for a college like Erskine which is located
east of and about seven miles from the town of The-End-of-the-Earth, South
Carolina. Wilber Ebenezer Braxton Nutts (who usually goes by “Webie”) has a
large farm southeast of Due West. Webie loves tractor pulling. Years ago, when
the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville was the BI-LO Center, Webie
attended all the tractor pulling events. He says he lost his hearing because
the events were incredibly loud (and being held indoors the sound was
intensified); however, loss of hearing has not diminished his enthusiasm for
tractor pulling. Webie is prepared to give 100 acres for a tractor pulling
arena. He says an open-air space protects the hearing of young people who
attend. Webie is also giving 100 acres for parking and the attending venues,
and he is building a grandstand that seats 10,000. When I asked President
Gustafson about this, he replied, “A big hand and a tip of the hat are due to
Webie Nutts.”
Possible sponsors are Ford,
Dodge, International, John Deere, Coors Beer, Miller Beer, Taylor’s Pride
Chewing Tobacco, Copenhagen Snuff, Bib Overalls, and, lest I forget, Aurora
Cannabis. When Webie Nutts heard about the possible sponsors, he said, “Go
Fleet! We gonna have a high time!”
Men and Women’s Catfish Noodling
Noodling? Noodling? Noodling?
What can I say? Catfish noodling at Erskine College? It staggers the
imagination! It is hard to makeup this stuff!
For some unexplained reason,
no one is willing to talk about noodling. When I asked an old friend who
presently serves on the board about noodling, he said, “Oh, Chuck, our meetings
are now like attending a funeral wake!” He then went silent, and all I could
hear was my friend sobbing into the phone. Finally, his wife took the phone out
of his hands, and, after apologizing for his emotional collapse, hung up the
phone.
I have a friend in Cajun
country in Louisiana who has been noodling since he was a little boy. His name
is Maurice Bourgeois. He and his wife Aimée live just north of the Atchafalaya
National Wildlife Refuge and near the town of Krotz Springs. Up on Highway 190,
about 2 miles west to Port Barre, Maurice and Aimée own a strip mall called
“Maurice’s Fishing Camp, Oyster Bar, and Really Good Ethiopian Restaurant,
Women’s Hair Salon, Discount Liquor Store, One Minute Tax Preparation, Men’s
Hair Stylist, L’Acadiane Truck Stop, Law Office of François Bourgeois, Very
Quickie Fast Grocery Store and Cajun Delights.” When I was there, folks called
Maurice’s chain of stores and offices “Mauriceville,” and it is the best place
to get a mess of cracklings and boudin, a hot cup of café au lait, and a glazed
beignets for dessert.
When I called Maurice and
asked him about noodling as a sport at Erskine, he was ecstatic. He said, “It’s
‘bout time! They been doin’ bass fishin’ at LSU fer years!” He asked, “Do they
have girls’ noodlin’?” I told him, “As far as I know, Maurice, noodling will be
a sport for both men and women.”
Maurice’s daughter, Trudimae
Yvella (whose first name comes from her maternal grandmother who was born in
Arkansas and was a Baptist), is a noodler. She has won numerous tournaments in
Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Maurice asked me for Athletic
Director Mark Peeler’s phone number. Maurice said he needed to know when
Erskine is planning to launch the noodling program. He said a scholarship for
Trudimae guarantees a women’s championship, and he is prepared to buy all the
catfish caught in tournaments for Maurice’s Fishing Camp, Oyster Bar, and
Really Good Ethiopian Restaurant.
Well, I thought I had seen
everything in Due West! Noodling! Noodling? I just cannot wait to see Trudimae
at work again. The sight of a young woman with her arm up to her elbow in the
mouth of a 61-pound catfish is not something one sees everyday! It is a sight
one does not soon forget!
Men and Women’s Alligator
Trolling with Nutria in Louisiana
Now, the sport of alligator
trolling with nutria in Louisiana makes ecological and financial sense. A
nutria is a giant South American rat which was accidentally introduced into the
swamps of Louisiana in the 1920s. Today, the nutria population is so large the
nutrias are about to eat all the vegetation in the Louisiana swamps and
coastline. They cannot be killed fast enough to eradicate them. No one can find
anything the nutria is good for. It is not even good for food. I know; I have
tasted nutria. The only thing a nutria is good for is being a 24-hour-a-day
eating machine. Anything to help with nutria control is a good idea. So, let us
give a high-five to the folks at Erskine for coming up with this idea for a
college sport. It is ecologically friendly! Go Fleet!
Alligators were once
endangered in Louisiana. However, those days are long past. Today, alligators
are an everywhere nuisance. Control of the population is problematic. A sport
which helps in alligator control will be profitable nowadays. There is a
growing market for alligator meat and a luxury market for the hides for shoes,
luggage, handbags, watchbands, wallets, and jackets. This is a money-maker! A
cash cow!
I do not know how the sport
of alligator trolling with nutria in Louisiana came to be considered at
Erskine. I did my best to get an interview; however, everyone was reticent to
talk about this. Finally, I found one person who spoke with me, but she said
she would talk with me only if I promised to conceal her identity. And, yes, I
will keep her identity a mystery. I do not want her to lose her job.
According to my source, in a late-night
brainstorming session, one of the administrators said he knew someone in
Louisiana who had an idea for a new sport that would solve a problem and make a
profit. He said, “Instead of following, let’s create a new sport and be first
for a change.” Well, it was late at night!
The next morning a couple of
phone calls were made to the Louisiana Fish and Game Department and to other
state officials. They were simply beside themselves in glee. Help from South
Carolina was on the way! So, alligator trolling with nutria in Louisiana is now
under consideration in Due West. As one of the Erskine administrators is
reported to have said, “This is a great opportunity. We can launch a new
college sport for the Southeast. It now makes sense to begin recruiting in
Louisiana. If the target student population in Louisiana is similar to what we
have in South Carolina, we have a bonanza of potential students! Go Fleet!”
When I called Maurice
Bourgeois and told him about alligator trolling with nutria in Louisiana, he
called Trudimae over to the phone so she could speak with me. She was so
excited! She said, “Fergit ‘bout noodlin’, sign me up fer gator trollin’!”
Well, maybe she can be a two-sports athlete with two scholarship and get two varsity
letters!
When I finally did get
through to President Gustafson and asked him how catfish noodling and alligator
trolling were compatible with and advanced the Erskine mission as a Christian
college, he responded with, “Uh, well, un, and, well, uh, uh, uh, uh. What was
your question?” Suddenly, I was speaking with his secretary who said, “Mr.
Wilson, Dr. Gustafson is presently indisposed! Can you call him back next
year?”
Earlier, I said this stuff
cannot be made-up. It is not possible! It sounds too much like something out of
a Flannery O’Connor story gone mad in a LSD parlor in Savannah in 1964. I
thought Hazel Motes died at the end of Wise Blood, but it seems he recovered
and is alive and well in Due West and employed at Erskine College!
Finally, in my last
conversation with my unidentified source, I asked her how she was doing. She
responded, “Thanks for asking. We are attempting to master the art of selling
moonlight to a full-moon night sky as we slide into academic insignificance and
the attending fear, anxiety, and depression of those awaiting execution by
hanging.”
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Geneva is developing its commitment to a continuance of student engagement,
from first inquiry through graduation and placement. The Vice President of
Enrollment and Marketing also convenes the Enrollment and Student Development
team, including institution leaders in Enrollment, Marketing, Student
Development and Athletics.
The Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing reports directly to the
President and provides leadership to the college's student development,
recruitment, enrollment, marketing and public relations functions. As a member
of the President's Cabinet, the Vice President will provide counsel to the
President and collaborate with other executive officers to develop and
implement strategies along with the student life cycle which support and enhance
the vision and mission of Geneva College.
QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES
The Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing will be a knowledgeable
professional with a minimum of a master's degree pertinent to the role and at
least five years of commensurate higher education experience. This experience
must include a record of achieving enrollment goals in private, Christian
higher education institutions. In addition to these basic qualifications, the
next Vice President will be:
* A person of authentic Christian character and well-versed in the college's
Reformed confession and heritage, evidenced in - A deep commitment to Jesus
Christ and His word, resulting in a mature Christian walk, - Prayerful
dependence on God's provision and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, - An
understanding and application of biblical principles for the stewardship of
time, talent and treasure, with - Faithful service and follow-through on
commitments.
* A gifted leader who:
-
Earns respect and establishes rapport with colleagues, prospective students and
their families and external constituents
- Encourages
their teams and team members to adopt best practices, maintain high standards
and reach ambitious goals
- Inspires their teams and team members to accomplish
their work with excellence, integrity and a sense of mission
-
Presents the mission of Geneva College winsomely and articulates the value of a
liberal arts education within the college's Reformed confession and heritage
-
Thinks strategically and creatively, and - Makes and communicates difficult
decisions firmly, yet graciously in a God-honoring way.
* A competent team member who:
- Portrays an internal energy and work ethic
- Possesses excellent writing skills and strong verbal communication skills in
large and small group settings, including the ability to persuade and to listen
patiently in personal conversations
-
Brings the financial skills to develop and manage budgets on sound principles
- Understands academic funding models as well as the critical issues in higher
education, Christianity and culture.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
* Select, train, supervise and evaluate the work of staff involved in
enrollment and marketing.
* Develop annual strategies and goals for enrollment that maximize the
effectiveness of the staff and secure a vital student body well-suited to the
College mission.
* Oversee the enrollment functions of the college resourcefully within the
staffing and budget constraints of a small, private Christian institution.
* Establish short and long term enrollment and marketing goals and strategies,
effectively integrating those with the larger institutional goals.
* Establish short and long term marketing goals and strategies with emphasis on
enrollment functions of the college.
* Facilitate and support the President's active involvement and integration in
enrollment and marketing efforts.
* Develop and maintain systems that measure the performance of enrollment and
marketing at the College and provide reports on a timely basis.
* Serve as lead staff member supporting the Board of Trustees Enrollment
Committee and report to the Board of Trustees as appropriate.
* Encourage faculty, staff and students to participate in the work of
Enrollment & Marketing among faculty, staff and students on campus.
* Engage in the life of the campus community and represent the college at a
wide range of activities, including attending campus events on evenings and
weekends.
* Build alumni involvement in enrollment and marketing activities, events and
programs.
* Exercise control and fiscal responsibility for the division's budget.
APPLICATION
Review of application materials will begin on November 5, 2018. An application
includes a letter of interest, resume and statement of faith. Inquiries,
nominations and applications for the position should be directed to the
President's Office. Send application materials to Andrea Kamicker, Executive
Assistant to the President, via mail to the address below or to amkamick@geneva.edu. Applications will be
accepted until the position is filled.
POSITION
Senior PC Consultant
EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT
Non-Exempt
FULL-TIME/PART-TIME
Full-Time
LOCATION
Beaver Falls - Staff and Faculty Only
DESCRIPTION
Summary of Responsibilities:
- Provide day to day installation and support services related to
Geneva College:
* Desktop computers
* Laptop computers
* Tablet computers
* Printers
* Desktop phones
* Cell phones
* Audio visual equipment (LCD projectors, microphones, audio
equipment, video conferencing units, auditorium control room functions)
* Operating System and Application software
* Provide basic supervision and mentoring to PC Consultants
* At the discretion of the management team, coordinate with other
Technology Services staff, in the delivery of services to specific locations
within Geneva.
* May work on medium to large scale projects as determined by the
management team.
*
Possess advanced knowledge and skills related to Windows operating
systems and Geneva standard desktop computer and laptop design, function, and
related resources for service request resolution.
* Possess knowledge and skills in audio visual support/instructional
technology support (ability to configure and operate AV equipment including LCD
projectors, video conferencing units, basic auditorium control room functions,
microphones and audio equipment).
* Act as a primary contact and liaison for Technology Services
team. Work in partnership with the Geneva end user community in providing
services.
Essential Responsibilities: (These essential responsibilities are those the
individual must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of reasonable
accommodation.)
- General Responsibilities
* Provide service to client community, families and visitors, while
protecting the integrity and confidentiality of all data and information
through physical and electronic measures.
* Act as a lead for the Technology Services team, promoting the
efficient operation of the team in providing quality service to Geneva end
users.
* Receives projects and carries out special assignments from the
management team. Tracks assignments and provides reports, as requested. Works
with project managers to define tasks.
* Provide coordination of services with outside consultants working
for or with the Technology Services Department, when required by the management
team. Notify the management team of any problems associated with that outside
consultant work.
* Maintain the Service Desk system for all requests assigned, and
work to ensure the timely resolution of requests. Immediately notify the
management team of any outstanding assigned requests, which have not been
resolved within prescribed service level agreements.
* Provide second level support for problem requests escalated by
the Help Desk staff. Report back to the Help Desk and end user, regarding
problem status until resolved.
* Participate in Technology Services after hours on call services,
(non-business hours) in accordance with Information Technology Services
Departmental Policies and Procedures.
* This position may be required to maintain a stand by status as
part of a rotation within the team. This requires 24 hours per day, 7 days per
week availability during the stand by period. The frequency varies based upon
the number of colleagues in the rotation.
* Submit reports to the management team, as assigned.
* Follow procedures for documentation of Technology Services work.
* Attend Technology Services meetings, as required.
* Comply with Geneva College and Information Technology Services
Department Policies and Procedures.
* Be highly motivated to apply process improvement to increase
product and service quality to achieve business objectives.
* Provide support as required by Geneva's Disaster Recovery Plan.
* Monitor team service requests and/or assignments and insure
compliance with Service Level Agreements, Information Technology Services
Policies and Procedures, and any other service levels, as determined by the
management team.
* Communicate to the management team, on a weekly basis, all
service requests, projects and/or assignments received and current status, to
ensure that new and currently assigned responsibilities do not conflict or may
negatively impact on service delivery to the Geneva end user community.
* Provide second level support for problem requests escalated by
the Help Desk and coordinate with Geneva personnel and vendors to resolve
issues. Report back to the Help Desk and end user, regarding problem status
until resolved. Document requests status and resolution activities, as
directed.
Supervision:
*
Mentor and direct student employees including; interviewing,
training, planning, assigning and directing work, coaching and appraising
performance.
*
Must have a mindset of mentoring employees under supervision.
Should be able to lead in a way that sets a good example, promotes teamwork,
and encourages a positive, efficient work environment.
Performance Development Areas:
* Achieves Results - Achieves needed results; takes initiative and
responsibility; seeks solutions to operational problems; listens and communicates
adequately and effectively; keeps others informed; uses resources effectively
(time, materials, finances); completes job responsibilities in a safe manner.
* Personal Organization - Plans and organizes work; demonstrates
dependability and good attendance; adapts to changes in the work environment;
makes decisions and demonstrates good judgment; handles multiple tasks
simultaneously.
* Knowledge/Learning - Demonstrates and develops job knowledge and
skills; possess and improves knowledge of all tools, equipment and resources;
demonstrates creativity/innovation in work; increases understanding of how
his/her work relates within the department and organization.
* Interpersonal Skills - Shows respect and kindness towards others;
actively builds trust; acts with integrity and fairness; maintains appropriate
levels of confidentiality; routinely expresses positive feedback and gratitude;
seeks to understand others' perspectives.
* Student & Organizational Success - Makes students' needs a
priority; treats students, families, faculty, employees, and vendors, etc. with
respect and support; respects and supports diversity differences; clearly
displays a mission-mindedness; shows support and respect for policies and
procedures, management and the institution.
* Teamwork/Conflict Resolution - Works in collaboration with
others; supports the work and goals of others; exhibits objectivity and
openness to others' views; gives credit to others when appropriate; accepts
criticism and feedback; takes initiative and uses productive means for
resolving interpersonal conflicts without unreasonable delays; shows loyalty to
those not present by avoiding backbiting and gossip.
* Supervisors Only-Supervision/Management Positions: Establishes
clear goals and performance standards; provides direction; empowers others and
delegates as appropriate; regularly monitors delegated activities; provides
recognition and regularly engages in coaching and constructive feedback;
identifies, utilizes and develops employee's skills and encourages growth.
Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires respect and trust; reacts well
under pressure; shows courage to take action; fosters a culture of excellence.
Job Requirements - Administrative:
* General: Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and
abilities listed or are able to explain and demonstrate that they can perform
the essential responsibilities of the job, with or without reasonable
accommodations in order to safely perform the essential responsibilities of the
job.
*
Physical: Must be able to perform the following: talking, hearing,
and seeing. Must have sufficient manual dexterity to be able to operate all
office equipment including, but not limited to: computers, fax machines, copy
machines, modems, and telephones. Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
* Confidentiality: Individuals must recognize that management of
data, including personal information, grades, budgets, programs and policies is
necessary to the operation of the College. Such information must be kept
private and confidential for the protection of the College and to obey Federal
and/or State laws. Should there be doubt as to whether a certain matter is to
be protected, it should be discussed with your supervisor before making a
disclosure.
* Mental: Must be able to reason, analyze, prioritize,
conceptualize, make judgments, and solve problems.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum Qualifications:
