May 6, 2011: I was looking for a job, and then I found a job*

It's been a long time between blogs, a result of a career change.  I have recently joined Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac, Michigan, as the Vice President of Instruction.  Without transforming into a marketing piece, I must sing the praises of Southwestern Michigan College as an institution that truly "gets it":

• A culture that is truly collaborative and without silos;
• Transparency;
• A clearly defined, not contradictory, commitment to academic quality and student support;
• A clearly defined strategic plan to separate itself from the competition;
• A value system consistent from the highest levels of administration down through the ranks;
• A recognition of and support for interdisciplinary activities;
• Longevity and stability among a large percentage of the faculty and staff;
• A commitment to physical health through wellness initiatives and to emotional health through a willingness to laugh;
• An incredibly positive recent 10-year accreditation, a result linked almost certainly to the above factors.

I am excited to be getting back to academic administration.  While this blog may appear less frequently, my goal is still to provide fairly regular postings.  I'll keep my eye on higher education news, looking for interesting stories.  For instance, I am tempted to comment on this story of a presidential resignation, but I'll pass.  It just seems too easy. 

*and heaven knows, no, I'm not miserable now.  With apologies to The Smiths.