Dear Friend of Berry College:
During the early spring of 2003, many friends of Berry College have seen a series of news stories about recent appointments to critical positions on the Berry staff. Although press coverage in the Rome News-Tribune and in college publications has been good, it strikes me that there is more to these stories than may be readily apparent. In this issue of Berry Today, I would like to supply background information about four new members of the Berry administrative staff – individuals who will have a profound impact on Berry students and on the future of the institution. I would also like to explain how we go about finding new academic leaders at the college. Finding the right person involves much more than simply advertising an open position.
We have known for many months that two longtime colleagues were planning to retire at the end of this academic year: Joe Walton as vice president for finance and corporate treasurer and George Gaddie as dean of admissions. Moreover, late last spring, Chaplain Harold Carl accepted a position at a university in Texas. At about the same time, Sandra Terry, our first director of multicultural student affairs, announced she was taking a position at the Atlanta campus of her alma mater. Both resignations were prompted by excellent career opportunities.
Credentials and ‘fit’ were key criteria in hiring process
Filling these positions with excellent people was essential. Each plays a vital role in the work set before us by our strategic plan. Each individual chosen will be entrusted to further Berry’s strategic goals such as managing physical and financial assets to meet long-term and current operating needs; broadening the scope of opportunities for spiritual growth and meaningful service to others; fostering a student-centered culture; fostering a culture that is open, friendly and inviting and that welcomes diversity; and increasing diversity in geographic and ethnic representation on campus. In every search, it was clear that the college’s deepest commitments would be reflected in the candidates we brought to campus and in the individual who would eventually win the appointment. |
|
During George Gaddie’s tenure as dean of admissions, Berry has achieved remarkable results in increasing the quality of each incoming class. Our most recent freshman class – the second largest in college history – testifies to this success. The class included 23 presidential scholars, nine valedictorians and eight salutatorians. In addition, the freshmen entered with an impressive total of 1,514 hours of credit by examination. For his leadership in student recruitment, Mr. Gaddie was the staff member selected to receive the 2003 Martindale Award of Distinction.
|