The Joy of Being a President
If he prints a bulletin, it is a slick publication and an extravagance; if it is mimeographed, it is amateurish. He wonders if it is read in either case.
If he accepts appointments on important national committees, he is a “traveling president”; if not, he lacks stature.
If he forms a committee, he can’t make decisions; if not, he is dictatorial.
If he has roll taken at meetings, he is not respecting the professionalism of the faculty; if not, they are absent.
If an innovation in a program is successful, “why not”; if it fails it’s the president’s fault.
If he says “yes,” it is the way it should have been earlier; if the answer is “no.” he is not interested in improvement.
If he visits classes and committee meetings, he is an intruder; if he doesn’t, he is not interested.
If he recommends dismissal the reasons are trivial; if not, his low standards are ruining the college.
If he is popular with the community and the board, he is a politician; if not, he has poor public relations.
If he writes a bulletin, he is trying to hoodwink the faculty; if not, his communications are poor.
If he had written policies, he lives “by the book” and makes no allowances for individual differences; if not his decisions are inconsistent and no one knows what is expected of him.
So, in benediction:
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust; after others have tried, the president must!
