SERVICE

While service is a critical component of academic life, I must state that in the initial stages of my academic career I approached service opportunities with limited enthusiasm and trepidation. This trepidation was misplaced as my service commitments gave me the opportunity to meet some truly gifted & motivated colleagues. Further, these interactions have given me multiple opportunities for collaborating on significant research & service initiatives have provided tremendous collaboration opportunities and satisfaction on formalizing some meaningful initiatives.

I have adopted a simple approach to my service obligations.  I choose to share this as it has simplified my life and brought clarity of purpose.  My approach to tackling most University initiatives having students as a stakeholder follows the simple logic that – if it is good for them and adds value to their life it is worthy and must be done & done well. It is up to each one of us to make a compelling argument in favor of any initiative that enriches our students’ lives. Yes, I do recognize that resources are limited but only through a process of discussion and advocacy will the most compelling initiatives come to fruition.  This philosophy, while simplifying life in one sense, often results in additional demands on us.  But to that my retort is simply:  We are here to educate and make a difference.  If an initiative adds value to our students’ lives, then it is worth the trouble.