I really do find joy in academic administration…let me explain.
My administrative work began as a department chair about 10 years ago when my dean asked me to serve. I never felt drawn to administrative work. Nevertheless, I acquiesced.
I believe my positive experiences with a cohesive department allowed my budding interest in administration to grow. After a few years as department chair, faculty governance was the next role where I found myself.
If the academy is to have healthy shared governance, faculty must be willing to step into the gap (and, as no one else ran for that governance position, I may have been pushed into that gap…).
In my 3-year term cycling through the faculty moderator roles, we navigated declining enrollment, academic freedom concerns, an interim presidency, the welcoming of a new president and provost, and more. Though these issues were complex, working more closely with my faculty colleagues across the university was remarkably rewarding. Having a closer connection to the administration – particularly, my provosts – gave me a much deeper appreciation for chief academic officers.
More recently, I was asked to serve as the interim dean of my School of Natural & Applied Sciences in Kinesiology. Given the timing of my predecessor’s return to industry, I was unable to move my course load around and ended up teaching four courses that fall semester as well as fulfilling the role of a dean. Needless to say, the experience was hectic and I was doing my best to survive. And, yet, in the chaos of inheriting some significant challenges I found so much joy.
I am now closing in on the end of my second year in my service as dean and I have thought to myself “Maybe I just haven’t set aside the rose-colored glasses…?”
Last summer my brother asked, “So, do you actually like administration?” He wasn’t casting aspersions upon administration (he serves as a recruitment and admissions director for a university), but he knows better than most how I’m wired.
I am a sensitive soul, and I try hard to be at peace with others, as Paul urged (Rom. 12:18), as much as it depends on me. Unfortunately, the challenges that arise in administration can push the locus of peace control externally…the phrase “faculty-administration divide” exists for a reason.
The launching and sunsetting of programs, discerning equitable loading across very different departments (and Schools), classroom locations and course enrollment disagreements, advocating for departmental needs, and disagreeing with colleagues over serious matters, among a host of other issues that have surfaced in my short time as dean, have brought another level of stress. Yet, the Lord has blessed me with abiding joy through it all.
“Don’t you miss the students?” is a common question from my faculty friends. My first love was teaching students, and to be sure, I still love my time with students. And…I love being with my faculty.
“Do I actually like administration?” I do! I receive joy from hiring incredible faculty, working with competent chairs and administrative staff, helping guide colleagues through the tenure and promotion processes, working with fellow deans to facilitate interschool collaborations, and supporting my senior leaders in fulfilling the vision we believe God is revealing.
Is it easy? Not at all.
Is it fun? Often, but not always.
Do I miss the classroom? Yes, but I teach one class a semester.
Administration is simply the latest way I believe God has called me to serve His Church—and my greatest joy is sharing the inexpressible joy of Christ (1 Peter 1:8) with every part of my university.
Matt Renfrow is dean of the School of Natural & Applied Sciences in Kinesiology – mtrenfrow@taylor.edu
