United Methodist-Related Colleges Rank in Top 100

I am not a fan of rankings, but at least Washington Monthly has been able to neutralize the priviledge of rich schools. In this ranking, HBCUs have done exceptionally well. That includes Dillard, which in this ranking is a top 60 liberal arts institution.

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United Methodist-Related Colleges Rank in Top 100

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 31, 2012

(Nashville, Tenn.) -- What are colleges doing for the country? The Washington Monthly magazine named 13 United Methodist-related colleges in the top 100 in its 2012 liberal arts college rankings, based on schools’ contribution to the public good in three broad categories (social mobility, research, and service).

“We are very pleased to see a recognition that education should include character and community building, as well as spiritual formation,” said Dr. Gerald D. Lord, who heads the Division of Higher Education of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church. “United Methodist-related institutions have a long history of being able to reach thousands of people in their most formative years and give them opportunities regardless of their income, race or gender.”

Here are the United Methodist colleges and universities in the top 100 and their overall rankings: 22 – Millsaps College; 23 – Willamette University; 33 – Emory and Henry College; 34 – Wesleyan College; 38 – Claflin University; 41 – Allegheny College; 45 – Southwestern University; 59 – Dillard University ; 65 – Albion College; 80 – Hendrix College; 89 – Drew University; 90 – Centenary College of Louisiana ; and 95 – Dickinson College.

United Methodist-related institutions such as top-ranked Millsaps College not only provide a first-rate liberal arts education that explores the relationship between values and knowledge, but also affords students vocational discernment to reflect on questions of faithful living across a range of professions. “Millsaps strives to connect the life of the mind with the habits of the heart, and we aim to educate and nurture the entire person – mind and spirit,” said Robert Pearigan, president of Millsaps College. “All the intelligence in the world profits little if not guided by good character.”

Those values scored high on the Washington Monthly rankings. Each school was evaluated in three main categories: social mobility (recruiting and graduating low-income students); research (producing cutting-edge scholarship and PhDs); and service (encouraging students to give something back to their country). Three United Methodist schools – Emory and Henry, Willamette and Wesleyan College– were ranked in the top 10 schools specifically for community service participation and hours served.

The Washington Monthly editors say in an online statement that they created their ranking system to offset rankings that push individual colleges to raise prices and only cater to the most privileged students.

“The more expensive college becomes, the more students are encouraged to see higher education as a mere return on investment. The students in our best colleges are taught by example and design to look beyond themselves and give back.”

Opening Convocation: When I Think of Home



On Thursday we had our opening convocation. Our student leaders started this event last year so this was the second one. As you can see, we had a tremendous crowd- standing room only. People were standing in the foyer of the chapel as well.

 

 

During our orientation week, we used the theme "Ease on Down the Oaks" inspired by The Wiz. So I used as a theme forhe convocation, "When I Think Of Home." I wanted to describe what a healthy family looks like. The first criteria is to have respected and responsible elders. Students should respect faculty and staff, but likewise, the faculty and staff must carry themselves in a manner to role model positive behaviors.

Second we must promote and protect each other. In a social media world, people often lash out at each other or their organizations via Facebook and Twitter. We have to use social media to encourage and motivate each other. Finally, healthy families have an active love. We go out of our way to cheer each other up, to help when needed. We just don't say we're a family, we act like one.

 

I tried to say that my family is here because we want to be, and that we want to be involved in the lives of our students. My wife spoken to a dozen or more pre-law students after the event since she is excellent in helping students navigate that process. The point was that when we think of home, we think of Dillard, and I hope that everyone else there does as well.

 

 

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The Aftermath (I Don't Mean Dr. Dre)

I haven't been able to access the internet to update my blog, but you all know why. Here's a look at what Isaac left at Dillard. Not too bad so we are thankful!

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Now you know why I did this on August 3rd...

We visited the Greater New Orleans Hurricane & Storm Damage Risk Reduction System. I don't really know much about hurricanes, so this is a learning process. But the university cancelled classes for the next 3 days and will monitor throughout the weather event.

We're definitely relying on the city and state for guidance as they have people with the proper training to make the best calls for our safety. So we hope people will keep following the news, our website, Twitter (@du1869) or my Twitter (@hiphopprez) for the latest updates.

For a checklist click the following link:

http://www.dillard.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=709&Itemid=683

Be safe!

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Scenes from Opening Weekend

We had a great time moving in our new students- DU Class of 2016!

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College majors’ value not measured in cash

Several United Methodist college and university presidents were asked to write a response to a recent Kiplinger's article about majors which discouraged those considered to be low paying. When I saw the note I had about 30 minutes to get it done but it came out nicely. You can read it below:

http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=2789393&ct=12123787&notoc=1

Faculty-Staff Institute

Wednesday was my first Faculty-Staff Institute. I gave my first state of the university address. I fooled everyone and made them think that I would simply read a boring speech. I gave them about 2 minutes of that and then did what I always do- solid facts, data, transparency framed in a creative presentation with lots of images and humor.

I spent time introducing myself andmy experience as a president at Philander Smith. Then I detailed my assessment of the state of the university, and the challenges we need to address. But I made sure I conveyed that we could do it, and this was the beginning of the process. So I got lots of great feedback, and I actually had a ball developing my presentation.

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