Dump the Dean! | Faculty Commons

Jim Gerdeen, Prof. Emeritus,
Mechanical Engineering
Michigan Tech; Univ. of Colorado

“Dump the Dean.”

It was a topic of daily conversation in the hallways, distracting us from our academic work and research. The dean was being blamed for mismanagement of funds, being unfair with salary raises, etc. Faculty were on edge. Emotions were elevated.

Some faculty wanted to start a search-and-destroy mission, and to circulate a petition to have our dean fired. I persuaded them to wait. One colleague wanted me to co-sign a nasty memo to the chancellor. I refused and said: “Do not send the memo. If you throw mud, you can’t help but get dirty yourself.”

Getting Dirty

One professor filed a personal lawsuit against the dean. Others just wanted just to duck for cover, for fear of not getting tenure. How did I respond to the turmoil?

At first, I was one of those who just wanted to get out of there. I secretly applied for faculty positions at two other universities, but was not considered. I interviewed at a research institute. Before I could be given an offer there, a researcher took me aside and said, “Don’t come here. You are better off at your university.”

Faced with this difficult situation what were we to do? Are these the only choices, “fight” or flight?” Was God trying to tell me something? Did He have other plans?

During those days I would prayer walk from the parking lot to the office, praying for the dean, the administration and college. In our Christian faculty group we discussed the situation and prayed. Someone suggested that we arrange a college-wide brown-bag luncheon meeting with our dean.

It was time for me to have a courageous conversation. I met with the dean and he agreed to have the meeting. We explained the situation and facts as we knew them to our dean, and tried to provide a safe atmosphere for him. We asked for his clarification, and asked for his ideas to improve the situation.

Our Colleagues’ Respect

Things were still far from perfect after that. But as a result, we avoided further turmoil that could have resulted. We showed this one example of Christian behavior, and gained the respect of our colleagues.

Faced with a difficult confrontation, it’s easy to place blame on others, or to try and avoid conflict altogether. But that’s not how I am to live as a believer. I have learned from what Paul did in the book of Philemon:

He prayed and thanked God for Philemon’s faith and the friendship they had.
He appealed to him to welcome back the errant Onesimus.
He showed how useful he has been to Paul.
He asked for Philemon’s consent to take Onesimus back.

So often we face situations that deserve our involvement, even when they are difficult. It’s easier to repress our words and retreat to our offices. I’m convinced we are to be skillfully speaking the truth in love and, in doing so, to plant the seeds of peace.