On Wednesday of this week, the University community held the 2011 Wesley Heritage Celebration. Many thanks to the students, faculty, staff, and community members who attended the special chapel service featuring Dr. Mark Wethington’s presentation, “Whence Methodist U?” We then enjoyed a luncheon program that included a presentation by the MU Fall Break Mission Team, special music by Chuck Stephenson, Oriana Clayton, and Jane Gardiner, and a sermon from Wesley Heritage Celebration award winner Matthew Snowberger.

The importance of this day in the life of Methodist University is hard to measure. Not only does it give us an opportunity to celebrate our beginnings or “heritage,” as evidenced by the legacy of John Wesley, but it also gives us an opportunity to celebrate our current blessings through our worship service and other events. In particular, it is gratifying to see our students perform and excel in all of their activities and mission work.

During the opportunities I have to represent Methodist University, I often cite our “signature people” as one of our distinctive features. By this phrase I am referring to the people associated with Methodist who play such a vital role in the life of the campus and who inspire us on a daily basis to “do all the good we can.”

As I experienced the events of the Wesley Heritage Celebration, I realized that the first “signature person” at Methodist University was, and is, John Wesley, who continues to influence this campus. You can see this in those who attend the weekly chapel services, who participate in the mission trips, who witness through the many worship groups, and who take the time to make a difference in the lives of others in very subtle yet important ways.

We are blessed to have this opportunity to celebrate our heritage and recognize those around us who make Methodist University such a wonderful place to learn, work, grow, and worship.

In conjunction with my arrival this spring as the new president of the University, I was asked a number of questions so that members of the Methodist community could get to know me better. One of the questions had to do with wanting to know some of my favorite books, and one of those I listed was The Man Who Planted Trees, a story by Jean Giono.  The man featured in this story, Elzeard Bouffier, spent his life anonymously planting acorns across the countryside in southern France, bringing life to a desolate landscape for the benefit of generations that would follow him. Giono, using eloquent and moving prose, shares the story of this one man’s dedication and generosity that spanned many years.

Today I was fortunate to preside over the dedication of the Hendricks Science Complex and a ceremony that recognized the 27-year tenure of President Elton Hendricks and his wife, Jerry.  Here we have another “man who planted trees” spanning three decades, bringing life to our upper campus and replacing the sand spurs with trees transplanted from the lower campus along the Cape Fear River. President Hendricks was likewise dedicated to his task, and quietly and effectively transformed the Methodist University landscape for future generations to enjoy.

One of my favorite sayings from an anonymous source is that “a good book reads you.” As I think about the stories of Jean Giono and Elton Hendricks, I can’t help but reflect on the service of my predecessor and the impact he has had on Methodist University. I also know that as president, I will seek the assistance of those around me in developing the present landscape, both physical and intellectual, to benefit future generations of Methodist students. Thankfully we have someone, the man who planted trees at Methodist, who has shown us the way through his selfless acts and inspiration.

I spent two days in New York last week – all part of our efforts to expand MU’s footprint and imprint. First of all, I attended a meeting with presidents from other universities from across the country where we had an opportunity to hear from the heads of some of the leading private foundations. The message they delivered was clear and consistent: a commitment to access to higher education and to degree completion.  I couldn’t help but think of our mission and current initiatives that focus on student success and adding value to a university education. The fact that these are leaders in the foundation world was encouraging and validating, although I know that success in fund raising efforts in support of our initiatives will need to start closer to home as we make a case for why our programs can serve as a national model for higher education.

My second meeting was with a group of editors from The New York Times. They shared various views on how universities could receive national exposure, and gave examples of past successes in such media coverage. Bottom line, they focused on how institutions need to do a better job of telling their story and creating “stories” that will inspire or motivate readers. Once again, I was reminded of our new Admissions view book, often referred to as “the largest view book in the country,” and what a wonderful job we have done in telling the story about some of our amazing students. I would put this publication up against any newspaper in its content and inspirational value. Now we just need to repeat these stories and many others as widely as we can through our marketing efforts and informal communications in our attempt to take our light from underneath the proverbial basket.

The highlight of my trip to New York was a dinner held for alumni, parents and friends as a part of our “MU on the Move” tour to 15 different cities in the U.S. The group assembled was so appreciative of the University’s outreach efforts and hoped we would visit on a regular basis. I also heard some amazing stories that have been a hallmark of these events. These included an alumnus who directs a mission that serves the needs of the city’s homeless, an alumna who is a graduate of our health care management program and works  in downtown New York, and an appreciative parent who believes his son is receiving a great education and unequaled support through his participation in our PGA Golf Management Program.

I always return home from these trips feeling even more motivated and inspired to serve as your president. I am convinced we are on the right track with our educational programs and initiatives like the “MU Journey.” Our alumni, parents and friends provide a living testament to the value of a Methodist degree and remind us of our primary role of preparing our students to be successful in their careers and to lead lives of meaning and purpose.

At Opening Convocation, I challenged the campus community to become more engaged in the community—on campus, in the greater Cumberland County area, and in hometown communities. The ceremonies around the country marking the 10th anniversary of 9.11 are evidence of our community spirit, and in my opinion, it has never been more important for Americans to be engaged as a distinguishing feature of a democratic society.

As a university, we have been successful, if not nationally recognized, in engaging our students in the classroom, in extracurricular activities, and athletics. But there are more experiences we must offer to prepare our students for productive careers and lives of meaning and purpose. I refer to these experiences as the “MU Journey.”

There are four elements to the MU Journey that I believe are essential experiences and ones that will distinguish a Methodist University education from any other. Leadership experiences will prepare students to assume key positions in their careers, communities, churches, and other organizations. The Globalization initiative will provide every student an opportunity to study abroad and will also seek to double our number of international students to over 200, thus preparing our students to live in a more global society.  Undergraduate Research and Collaboration with faculty will make our students more competitive as they consider graduate or professional school and will enhance academic rigor on campus. The Community Engagement initiative will provide every student with the opportunity for an internship or community-based experience with a team of students, working with a faculty mentor and community sponsor.  These experiences will assist students in deciding on their future careers, give them much-needed experience in being competitive in their job searches, and enhance their problem-solving skills. An intentional consequence of these experiences will be to develop civically minded individuals who will become engaged members of their communities after graduation.

Task forces have been created for each of these initiatives, with the goal of developing an implementation strategy and pilot program by March 2012. Because of these and other initiatives that have been launched over the past few months, and a university-wide emphasis on community engagement, I have deemed this academic year as “The Year of the Engaged University.”  Every Monarch has a journey.  I invite you to join us on that journey, as it has never been a better time to be a Monarch.

This week marks six months that I have had the privilege of serving as Methodist University’s president. To sum it up in a few words, it has been an amazing experience that has far exceeded my expectations! With each passing day, the people associated with the University impress me with their hard work, commitment, and love of the institution. 

Let me give just a few examples of the great community members whom I refer to as our “signature people.”  At a special lunch today, we recognized the many contributions of our maintenance and housekeeping staff who worked long hours throughout the summer to have our academic buildings, residence halls, and grounds ready for the opening of the fall semester. I heard so many positive comments from students and their families and from faculty—all appreciative of the work that had transpired and the many improvements to the campus.

Another example is our Student Development and Services staff members, who have put so much effort into the fall opening. Not only did they schedule so many excellent programs for students and their families for orientation, but they continue to add activities as we start the year—all designed to engage students and help them feel part of the Methodist community. Their care in the selection and diversity of the programs is evident.

Finally, I would like to thank the staff in the Enrollment Services division who have brought us such a fine class of entering students, and worked diligently to make it possible for them to enroll and flourish here at Methodist. I don’t know how they could have done a better job of bringing in what looks like another record enrollment.  Well done.

I like to say that I have the best job in America. If the truth be told, it is because of the dedication of our employees who think they have the best job that leads me to this belief. What a wonderful message to share with our students, who undoubtedly feel that they are among the best students in America!

And to think that the best is yet to be.

As the weather began to break yesterday, bringing slightly lower temperatures, it was appropriate that the first groups of students arrived on campus to begin the new academic year. I must admit that seeing all these students got my adrenaline going in anticipation of an exciting fall semester. Football players, marching band members, cheerleaders, and resident assistants were among the early arrivals – all eager to begin practice and training.

I also took a tour of the campus yesterday, viewing the status of all the work and construction projects that have been underway this summer. The new residences, including the Greek houses, surrounding Sink Field look great and will be well received by the students as they arrive in the coming days. And the improvements made to the four oldest residence halls and the Trustees Building are nothing short of transformational.  Our facilities, maintenance and housekeeping, and residential life staff deserve all the credit for a job well done. Thanks to suggestions from the “Wow Committee,” there are also banners, welcome signs, and other touches throughout the campus — all sending the message to our campus arrivals that we are glad they are back or coming to Methodist for the first time. We have also broken ground on our new Nursing Building which will open next summer.

Overall, the fall enrollment numbers look strong. Thanks to the Admissions Office’s efforts and the engagement of the entire campus community in our retention initiatives, it looks like we will have close to another record enrollment this year — again proving that Methodist is growing in its popularity. Signature people, programs, and facilities are attracting the best students to our campus. There is so much pride on the campus in what we have to offer students and others joining the community.

I look forward to having everyone back on campus and to classes starting in less than two weeks. The excitement and engagement of our students and faculty is truly something to witness first hand. It is no wonder that I believe I have the best job in America!

Today I am announcing the creation of the Center for Student Success at Methodist University. This Center will be committed to the success of all students, providing programs and services to assist them in maximizing their MU experience. Mrs. Jane Gardiner, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, will serve as the director of the Center, in addition to her existing responsibilities.

At the top of Mrs. Gardiner’s list of projects for immediate attention will be to expand plans for a comprehensive first-year experience, the creation of a “Student Solutions Center” to streamline the process for responding to student inquiries, and the establishment of a new campus task force that will assist with the implementation of the Center’s initiatives. This group will hold its first meeting next week. 

Since my arrival I have participated in a great deal of discussion about how and what should be done in terms of improving student retention. Our highest priority as a University should be to ensure that students who matriculate also graduate, going on to find rewarding careers and lead lives of meaning and purpose. We are already seeing results from our increased retention efforts, but I believe that we need to make even greater strides forward, and that our efforts should be placed on improving every student’s experience, not just a focus on improving retention.

Under Mrs. Gardiner’s leadership and with the support of the entire campus community, we are launching a new era in support for students that is unparalleled in the history of Methodist University. I would like to thank those who have been a part of our efforts to date, and to ask everyone to support this new initiative that will enhance our reputation as having signature people and programs at Methodist.

It is hard to believe that I have had the best job in America for 100 days!  In many respects it seems like I just arrived on the Methodist campus.  The excitement that fills the air over what is happening at the University is just as evident today as it was on March 1.  I take no credit for the excitement I have witnessed, but I can’t help but mention it because the effect it has on this place is transformative.  Let’s just call it the “Monarch effect” and it rubs off on everyone who comes in contact with Methodist.

With the “meet and greets,” welcoming receptions, building tours, town hall meetings, and many one-on-one visits behind me, I can say that I have begun to truly understand what a special university and community we have here.  Debbie and I feel so blessed to have been invited to make MU and Fayetteville our new home.  Thanks so much to each of you who have made us feel so welcome. This coming week marks the household move from Indiana (Debbie has remained until now to complete her teaching responsibilities), so it will be great to have her join me full time.

Methodist has had its share of celebrations this year, starting well before we arrived with the record fall enrollment, and the news continues to be positive as we anticipate even better numbers this coming fall.  The new village style houses around Sink Field will be ready for occupancy and the updating of the existing residence halls will also be complete and ready to welcome students in August.  By then the new Professional Nursing Studies Building will be under construction, and, along with the two new Physician Assistant buildings that were dedicated this spring, provide further evidence that Methodist is growing.

Of course the most important celebration of the Spring was Commencement, as it was a time to honor our graduates who distinguished themselves through their academic accomplishments. It should be noted that our 10,000^th graduate walked across the stage that day!  We were also delighted to have Holly Petraeus with us as Commencement Speaker, delivering an important and heartfelt message to our students.

The most recent news is the NCAA Division III Track and Field Championships, where the Methodist Women garnered 3^rd place in the nation!  What’s more, two of our female athletes were national champions in their events and Ruby Blackwell was named National Women’s Track Athlete of the Year.  Add to this the fact that in May our Women’s Golf Team won their 14^th consecutive national championship and our Men’s Golf Team finished third in the country.  Amazing!

If there was a low point since my arrival, it was my golf performance at the annual Hall of Fame Golf Tournament at King’s Grant last week.  The new president sorely needs golf lessons!

I am reminded of something I stated during an interview on “Monarch Moments” shortly after I arrived on campus.  I spoke of the key hallmarks of a university delivering a “culture of excellence” are signature people, signature programs, and signature facilities.  If an institution doesn’t have signature people, the rest of the ingredients don’t and won’t matter.  The University is so fortunate to have outstanding people across the board – students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees – all committed to the same ideal: making Methodist the very best place it can possibly be.  That is why I repeatedly note in so many of my comments and speeches that “the best is yet to be.”

The Spring 2011 Commencement is now behind us, marked by an amazing talk by Holly Petraeus and the celebration by 184 graduates and their families.  It was truly an honor to preside over this, my first, commencement.

As I approach the end of my first three months at Methodist, I want to reflect on a truly memorable beginning to my presidency.  Trustees, students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and community members have reached out to me and made me feel welcome.  Thank you for your warm hospitality and many suggestions.  I am so excited about the future for this university, based on the quality of the people and their commitment to a culture of excellence.

I invite you to share your thoughts about what you would like to see as we move Methodist to the next level.  Our university deserves the best from us so that we may meet the needs of our students as they follow their own Methodist journey.  There is a role for each of us to play in shaping each of these unique experiences.

For me personally, I can’t help but feel that I have the best job in America at the finest university in America!  Debbie and I are truly blessed to be at Methodist during this historic time in the life of the institution.

I am often asked the question “With the constant outsourcing of manufacturing jobs, what are the best job prospects for the next 10 years?”

It’s not always easy to predict the future, but there are definitely many career fields that will fare much better than others over the next decade. Here are a few of my toppicks for a positive career outlook:

1.   Health care, especially physician’s assistants and nurses.

2.   Education, especially if prospective teachers will consider relocating to other geographic areas.

3.   Technology. This will be a competitive market, so job candidates whodemonstrate a  high proficiency in their chosen technolgical field will be the most successful.

4.   Entrepreneurial – new businesses.

5.   Management, especially for not-for-profit organizations trying to expandtheir revenue streams. Job candidates with sales, marketing and fund-raising experience will be highest in demand.

Think about jobs that require “people”—those jobs that are very hands-on orrequire personal attention and care, and cannot possibly be run by computers ordone from a long distance. It’s pretty safe to say that these types of jobs will bearound for a very long time. However, I always say choose your passion first, and success will follow.

All the best!

Ben Hancock