24 October 2018
.
.
“But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.” [Ezekiel 33:6]
.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” [Ephesians 6:12]
.
Presbyterians Week Headlines
.
[1] More Sports Programs Anticipated at Erskine College
[2] Geneva College Seeks Candidates for Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing
[3] Geneva College Seeks Candidates for Senior PC Consultant
—
[1] More Sports Programs Anticipated at Erskine College
I must begin this issue of ARPTalk by apologizing to our readers. In the last issue of ARPTalk, I announced the following new sports were added at Erskine College: football, acrobatics, E-Sports, lacrosse, track and field, and rodeo. There are, however, other sports programs under consideration. At the time, I was unaware of them.
I informed the readers of ARPTalk that the motion to pass the new sports programs was made by Bobby McDonald, who, when someone objected to not having time to read the many-paged proposal, said the board should adopt the proposal, and the members of the board could read it when they got home. Well, it has taken me some time to obtain a full copy of the proposal. Hidden in the back of the proposal and in small print were the other sports programs which are on the table for consideration. I can now inform our readers that those sports are (1) bass fishing, (2) tractor pulling. (3) catfish noodling, and (4) alligator trolling with nutria in Louisiana.
According to President Gustafson, the justification for sports programs such as these goes like this: “We are attempting to be relevant to the cultural ethos of our target student community.” That means, “butts in beds.”
Men and Women’s Bass Fishing
I understand the conversation among the members of the administration on the possibility of bass fishing was so exciting it bordered on the giddy. It is reported that Clarence’s Sporting Goods, Tri-motors Bassemperor Boats, and Fishing Hole Bait and Fly Shops are in discussions with President Gustafson on the possibility of supporting the entire program. In a phone interview with Athletic Director Mark Peeler, he said, “I’m so excited about this opportunity. I can say I am literally in a tizzy. I have even been in the backyard today where I had the manure pile two summers ago digging for and collecting worms for our first tournament! I can’t get over that our college that was once known for its liberal arts programs has evolved to the point we have a bass fishing program with scholarships. For all those who say there is no hope for Bubba and Wanda Fay getting a college athletic scholarship, let me tell you we will soon have one at Erskine College! And thank you Tri-motors Bassemperor Boats for the new Titan Emperor Deluxe Edition Bass Boat with heated leather seats. We are mooring it in Lake Academic behind the rodeo stockyard. Go Fleet!”
Men and Women’s Tractor Pulling
According to Bobby McDonald, “Tractor pulling is a perfect sport for a college like Erskine which is located east of and about seven miles from the town of The-End-of-the-Earth, South Carolina. Wilber Ebenezer Braxton Nutts (who usually goes by “Webie”) has a large farm southeast of Due West. Webie loves tractor pulling. Years ago, when the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville was the BI-LO Center, Webie attended all the tractor pulling events. He says he lost his hearing because the events were incredibly loud (and being held indoors the sound was intensified); however, loss of hearing has not diminished his enthusiasm for tractor pulling. Webie is prepared to give 100 acres for a tractor pulling arena. He says an open-air space protects the hearing of young people who attend. Webie is also giving 100 acres for parking and the attending venues, and he is building a grandstand that seats 10,000. When I asked President Gustafson about this, he replied, “A big hand and a tip of the hat are due to Webie Nutts.”
Possible sponsors are Ford, Dodge, International, John Deere, Coors Beer, Miller Beer, Taylor’s Pride Chewing Tobacco, Copenhagen Snuff, Bib Overalls, and, lest I forget, Aurora Cannabis. When Webie Nutts heard about the possible sponsors, he said, “Go Fleet! We gonna have a high time!”
Men and Women’s Catfish Noodling
Noodling? Noodling? Noodling? What can I say? Catfish noodling at Erskine College? It staggers the imagination! It is hard to makeup this stuff!
For some unexplained reason, no one is willing to talk about noodling. When I asked an old friend who presently serves on the board about noodling, he said, “Oh, Chuck, our meetings are now like attending a funeral wake!” He then went silent, and all I could hear was my friend sobbing into the phone. Finally, his wife took the phone out of his hands, and, after apologizing for his emotional collapse, hung up the phone.
I have a friend in Cajun country in Louisiana who has been noodling since he was a little boy. His name is Maurice Bourgeois. He and his wife Aimée live just north of the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge and near the town of Krotz Springs. Up on Highway 190, about 2 miles west to Port Barre, Maurice and Aimée own a strip mall called “Maurice’s Fishing Camp, Oyster Bar, and Really Good Ethiopian Restaurant, Women’s Hair Salon, Discount Liquor Store, One Minute Tax Preparation, Men’s Hair Stylist, L’Acadiane Truck Stop, Law Office of François Bourgeois, Very Quickie Fast Grocery Store and Cajun Delights.” When I was there, folks called Maurice’s chain of stores and offices “Mauriceville,” and it is the best place to get a mess of cracklings and boudin, a hot cup of café au lait, and a glazed beignets for dessert.
When I called Maurice and asked him about noodling as a sport at Erskine, he was ecstatic. He said, “It’s ‘bout time! They been doin’ bass fishin’ at LSU fer years!” He asked, “Do they have girls’ noodlin’?” I told him, “As far as I know, Maurice, noodling will be a sport for both men and women.”
Maurice’s daughter, Trudimae Yvella (whose first name comes from her maternal grandmother who was born in Arkansas and was a Baptist), is a noodler. She has won numerous tournaments in Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Maurice asked me for Athletic Director Mark Peeler’s phone number. Maurice said he needed to know when Erskine is planning to launch the noodling program. He said a scholarship for Trudimae guarantees a women’s championship, and he is prepared to buy all the catfish caught in tournaments for Maurice’s Fishing Camp, Oyster Bar, and Really Good Ethiopian Restaurant.
Well, I thought I had seen everything in Due West! Noodling! Noodling? I just cannot wait to see Trudimae at work again. The sight of a young woman with her arm up to her elbow in the mouth of a 61-pound catfish is not something one sees everyday! It is a sight one does not soon forget!
Men and Women’s Alligator Trolling with Nutria in Louisiana
Now, the sport of alligator trolling with nutria in Louisiana makes ecological and financial sense. A nutria is a giant South American rat which was accidentally introduced into the swamps of Louisiana in the 1920s. Today, the nutria population is so large the nutrias are about to eat all the vegetation in the Louisiana swamps and coastline. They cannot be killed fast enough to eradicate them. No one can find anything the nutria is good for. It is not even good for food. I know; I have tasted nutria. The only thing a nutria is good for is being a 24-hour-a-day eating machine. Anything to help with nutria control is a good idea. So, let us give a high-five to the folks at Erskine for coming up with this idea for a college sport. It is ecologically friendly! Go Fleet!
Alligators were once endangered in Louisiana. However, those days are long past. Today, alligators are an everywhere nuisance. Control of the population is problematic. A sport which helps in alligator control will be profitable nowadays. There is a growing market for alligator meat and a luxury market for the hides for shoes, luggage, handbags, watchbands, wallets, and jackets. This is a money-maker! A cash cow!
I do not know how the sport of alligator trolling with nutria in Louisiana came to be considered at Erskine. I did my best to get an interview; however, everyone was reticent to talk about this. Finally, I found one person who spoke with me, but she said she would talk with me only if I promised to conceal her identity. And, yes, I will keep her identity a mystery. I do not want her to lose her job.
According to my source, in a late-night brainstorming session, one of the administrators said he knew someone in Louisiana who had an idea for a new sport that would solve a problem and make a profit. He said, “Instead of following, let’s create a new sport and be first for a change.” Well, it was late at night!
The next morning a couple of phone calls were made to the Louisiana Fish and Game Department and to other state officials. They were simply beside themselves in glee. Help from South Carolina was on the way! So, alligator trolling with nutria in Louisiana is now under consideration in Due West. As one of the Erskine administrators is reported to have said, “This is a great opportunity. We can launch a new college sport for the Southeast. It now makes sense to begin recruiting in Louisiana. If the target student population in Louisiana is similar to what we have in South Carolina, we have a bonanza of potential students! Go Fleet!”
When I called Maurice Bourgeois and told him about alligator trolling with nutria in Louisiana, he called Trudimae over to the phone so she could speak with me. She was so excited! She said, “Fergit ‘bout noodlin’, sign me up fer gator trollin’!” Well, maybe she can be a two-sports athlete with two scholarship and get two varsity letters!
When I finally did get through to President Gustafson and asked him how catfish noodling and alligator trolling were compatible with and advanced the Erskine mission as a Christian college, he responded with, “Uh, well, un, and, well, uh, uh, uh, uh. What was your question?” Suddenly, I was speaking with his secretary who said, “Mr. Wilson, Dr. Gustafson is presently indisposed! Can you call him back next year?”
Earlier, I said this stuff cannot be made-up. It is not possible! It sounds too much like something out of a Flannery O’Connor story gone mad in a LSD parlor in Savannah in 1964. I thought Hazel Motes died at the end of Wise Blood, but it seems he recovered and is alive and well in Due West and employed at Erskine College!
Finally, in my last conversation with my unidentified source, I asked her how she was doing. She responded, “Thanks for asking. We are attempting to master the art of selling moonlight to a full-moon night sky as we slide into academic insignificance and the attending fear, anxiety, and depression of those awaiting execution by hanging.”
+ ARPTalk Blog, 864-882-6337, wilson6114@bellsouth.net
+ Erskine College and Theological Seminary, 2 Washington Street, Due West, South Carolina 29639, 864-379-2131, Fax: 864-379-2167, jguyette@erskine.edu
+ Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 918 South Pleasantburg Drive Suite 127, Greenville, South Carolina 29607, 864-232-8297, Fax: 864-271-3729
[2] Geneva College Seeks Candidates for Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Geneva is developing its commitment to a continuance of student engagement, from first inquiry through graduation and placement. The Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing also convenes the Enrollment and Student Development team, including institution leaders in Enrollment, Marketing, Student Development and Athletics.
The Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing reports directly to the President and provides leadership to the college’s student development, recruitment, enrollment, marketing and public relations functions. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Vice President will provide counsel to the President and collaborate with other executive officers to develop and implement strategies along with the student life cycle which support and enhance the vision and mission of Geneva College.
QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES
The Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing will be a knowledgeable professional with a minimum of a master’s degree pertinent to the role and at least five years of commensurate higher education experience. This experience must include a record of achieving enrollment goals in private, Christian higher education institutions. In addition to these basic qualifications, the next Vice President will be:
* A person of authentic Christian character and well-versed in the college’s Reformed confession and heritage, evidenced in – A deep commitment to Jesus Christ and His word, resulting in a mature Christian walk, – Prayerful dependence on God’s provision and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, – An understanding and application of biblical principles for the stewardship of time, talent and treasure, with – Faithful service and follow-through on commitments.
* A gifted leader who:
– Earns respect and establishes rapport with colleagues, prospective students and their families and external constituents
– Encourages their teams and team members to adopt best practices, maintain high standards and reach ambitious goals
– Inspires their teams and team members to accomplish their work with excellence, integrity and a sense of mission
– Presents the mission of Geneva College winsomely and articulates the value of a liberal arts education within the college’s Reformed confession and heritage
– Thinks strategically and creatively, and – Makes and communicates difficult decisions firmly, yet graciously in a God-honoring way.
* A competent team member who:
– Portrays an internal energy and work ethic
– Possesses excellent writing skills and strong verbal communication skills in large and small group settings, including the ability to persuade and to listen patiently in personal conversations
– Brings the financial skills to develop and manage budgets on sound principles
– Understands academic funding models as well as the critical issues in higher education, Christianity and culture.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
* Select, train, supervise and evaluate the work of staff involved in enrollment and marketing.
* Develop annual strategies and goals for enrollment that maximize the effectiveness of the staff and secure a vital student body well-suited to the College mission.
* Oversee the enrollment functions of the college resourcefully within the staffing and budget constraints of a small, private Christian institution.
* Establish short and long term enrollment and marketing goals and strategies, effectively integrating those with the larger institutional goals.
* Establish short and long term marketing goals and strategies with emphasis on enrollment functions of the college.
* Facilitate and support the President’s active involvement and integration in enrollment and marketing efforts.
* Develop and maintain systems that measure the performance of enrollment and marketing at the College and provide reports on a timely basis.
* Serve as lead staff member supporting the Board of Trustees Enrollment Committee and report to the Board of Trustees as appropriate.
* Encourage faculty, staff and students to participate in the work of Enrollment & Marketing among faculty, staff and students on campus.
* Engage in the life of the campus community and represent the college at a wide range of activities, including attending campus events on evenings and weekends.
* Build alumni involvement in enrollment and marketing activities, events and programs.
* Exercise control and fiscal responsibility for the division’s budget.
APPLICATION
Review of application materials will begin on November 5, 2018. An application includes a letter of interest, resume and statement of faith. Inquiries, nominations and applications for the position should be directed to the President’s Office. Send application materials to Andrea Kamicker, Executive Assistant to the President, via mail to the address below or to amkamick@geneva.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
+ Geneva College, 3200 College Avenue, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania 15010, 724-846-5100, Fax: 724.847.6696, pr@geneva.edu
.
.
[3] Geneva College Seeks Candidates for Senior PC Consultant
POSITION
Senior PC Consultant
EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT
Non-Exempt
FULL-TIME/PART-TIME
Full-Time
LOCATION
Beaver Falls – Staff and Faculty Only
DESCRIPTION
Summary of Responsibilities:
– Provide day to day installation and support services related to Geneva College:
* Desktop computers
* Laptop computers
* Tablet computers
* Printers
* Desktop phones
* Cell phones
* Audio visual equipment (LCD projectors, microphones, audio equipment, video conferencing units, auditorium control room functions)
* Operating System and Application software
* Provide basic supervision and mentoring to PC Consultants
* At the discretion of the management team, coordinate with other Technology Services staff, in the delivery of services to specific locations within Geneva.
* May work on medium to large scale projects as determined by the management team.
* Possess advanced knowledge and skills related to Windows operating systems and Geneva standard desktop computer and laptop design, function, and related resources for service request resolution.
* Possess knowledge and skills in audio visual support/instructional technology support (ability to configure and operate AV equipment including LCD projectors, video conferencing units, basic auditorium control room functions, microphones and audio equipment).
* Act as a primary contact and liaison for Technology Services team. Work in partnership with the Geneva end user community in providing services.
Essential Responsibilities: (These essential responsibilities are those the individual must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.)
– General Responsibilities
* Provide service to client community, families and visitors, while protecting the integrity and confidentiality of all data and information through physical and electronic measures.
* Act as a lead for the Technology Services team, promoting the efficient operation of the team in providing quality service to Geneva end users.
* Receives projects and carries out special assignments from the management team. Tracks assignments and provides reports, as requested. Works with project managers to define tasks.
* Provide coordination of services with outside consultants working for or with the Technology Services Department, when required by the management team. Notify the management team of any problems associated with that outside consultant work.
* Maintain the Service Desk system for all requests assigned, and work to ensure the timely resolution of requests. Immediately notify the management team of any outstanding assigned requests, which have not been resolved within prescribed service level agreements.
* Provide second level support for problem requests escalated by the Help Desk staff. Report back to the Help Desk and end user, regarding problem status until resolved.
* Participate in Technology Services after hours on call services, (non-business hours) in accordance with Information Technology Services Departmental Policies and Procedures.
* This position may be required to maintain a stand by status as part of a rotation within the team. This requires 24 hours per day, 7 days per week availability during the stand by period. The frequency varies based upon the number of colleagues in the rotation.
* Submit reports to the management team, as assigned.
* Follow procedures for documentation of Technology Services work.
* Attend Technology Services meetings, as required.
* Comply with Geneva College and Information Technology Services Department Policies and Procedures.
* Be highly motivated to apply process improvement to increase product and service quality to achieve business objectives.
* Provide support as required by Geneva’s Disaster Recovery Plan.
* Monitor team service requests and/or assignments and insure compliance with Service Level Agreements, Information Technology Services Policies and Procedures, and any other service levels, as determined by the management team.
* Communicate to the management team, on a weekly basis, all service requests, projects and/or assignments received and current status, to ensure that new and currently assigned responsibilities do not conflict or may negatively impact on service delivery to the Geneva end user community.
* Provide second level support for problem requests escalated by the Help Desk and coordinate with Geneva personnel and vendors to resolve issues. Report back to the Help Desk and end user, regarding problem status until resolved. Document requests status and resolution activities, as directed.
Supervision:
* Mentor and direct student employees including; interviewing, training, planning, assigning and directing work, coaching and appraising performance.
* Must have a mindset of mentoring employees under supervision. Should be able to lead in a way that sets a good example, promotes teamwork, and encourages a positive, efficient work environment.
Performance Development Areas:
* Achieves Results – Achieves needed results; takes initiative and responsibility; seeks solutions to operational problems; listens and communicates adequately and effectively; keeps others informed; uses resources effectively (time, materials, finances); completes job responsibilities in a safe manner.
* Personal Organization – Plans and organizes work; demonstrates dependability and good attendance; adapts to changes in the work environment; makes decisions and demonstrates good judgment; handles multiple tasks simultaneously.
* Knowledge/Learning – Demonstrates and develops job knowledge and skills; possess and improves knowledge of all tools, equipment and resources; demonstrates creativity/innovation in work; increases understanding of how his/her work relates within the department and organization.
* Interpersonal Skills – Shows respect and kindness towards others; actively builds trust; acts with integrity and fairness; maintains appropriate levels of confidentiality; routinely expresses positive feedback and gratitude; seeks to understand others’ perspectives.
* Student & Organizational Success – Makes students’ needs a priority; treats students, families, faculty, employees, and vendors, etc. with respect and support; respects and supports diversity differences; clearly displays a mission-mindedness; shows support and respect for policies and procedures, management and the institution.
* Teamwork/Conflict Resolution – Works in collaboration with others; supports the work and goals of others; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives credit to others when appropriate; accepts criticism and feedback; takes initiative and uses productive means for resolving interpersonal conflicts without unreasonable delays; shows loyalty to those not present by avoiding backbiting and gossip.
* Supervisors Only-Supervision/Management Positions: Establishes clear goals and performance standards; provides direction; empowers others and delegates as appropriate; regularly monitors delegated activities; provides recognition and regularly engages in coaching and constructive feedback; identifies, utilizes and develops employee’s skills and encourages growth. Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires respect and trust; reacts well under pressure; shows courage to take action; fosters a culture of excellence.
Job Requirements – Administrative:
* General: Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed or are able to explain and demonstrate that they can perform the essential responsibilities of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations in order to safely perform the essential responsibilities of the job.
* Physical: Must be able to perform the following: talking, hearing, and seeing. Must have sufficient manual dexterity to be able to operate all office equipment including, but not limited to: computers, fax machines, copy machines, modems, and telephones. Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
* Confidentiality: Individuals must recognize that management of data, including personal information, grades, budgets, programs and policies is necessary to the operation of the College. Such information must be kept private and confidential for the protection of the College and to obey Federal and/or State laws. Should there be doubt as to whether a certain matter is to be protected, it should be discussed with your supervisor before making a disclosure.
* Mental: Must be able to reason, analyze, prioritize, conceptualize, make judgments, and solve problems.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
– Minimum Qualifications:
* Education/Certification: Bachelor’s degree in technology related field or comparable experience
* Experience: Three years installing and servicing PCs and audio visual equipment.
* Skill/Abilities: Ability to troubleshoot and maintain PCs, peripherals and software. Understand and implement PC security measures. Understanding of PC networking concepts.
* Christian Commitment: Eligible candidates must be a thoughtful and articulate Christian and an active member of a Protestant evangelical Christian church. Preference will be given to candidates who support and have an articulate understanding of the Reformed faith. The individual must understand and support the College’s “Foundational Concepts of Christian Education” by expressing an evangelical Christian profession of faith and demonstrate the ability to integrate a Christian perspective in their work.
– Preferred:
* Education/Certification: Bachelor’s degree in a technology related field or comparable experience.
* Experience: Five years installing and servicing PCs and audio visual equipment.
– Skills/Abilities:
* Proficiently apply IT methods, professional knowledge, and GENEVA standards and practices.
* Intuitively grasp familiar, stable system performance situations.
* Respond to unfamiliar, undefined, unexpected, or unstable situations with the professionally prescribed standard response.
* Recognize subtle problems with system design or performance and acts appropriately to improve the condition, seek validation of actions in advance as appropriate.
* Effective in relationships with business partners, professional peers, and other team members.
* Coach less experienced IT professionals.
https://recruiting.myapps.paychex.com/appone/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=2200184
.
+ Geneva College, 3200 College Avenue, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania 15010, 724-846-5100, Fax: 724.847.6696, pr@geneva.edu
.
.
Orlando Position Description Jackson Position Description
Position Type: Local – Full Time
Specific Job Title: Director of Admissions
Job Description:
Position Summary: The Director of Admissions oversees the strategic planning and execution of the admissions process for the Jackson campus of Reformed Theological Seminary.
Summary of Functions:
- Direct the strategic planning and execution of the campus’s admissions and recruiting efforts in coordination with other seminary departments (e.g. president’s office, development, communications).
- Oversee, develop, and motivate admissions employees. Provide ongoing feedback, accountability, and training.
- Maintain awareness of recruiting trends and best practices, ensuring a high level of excellence.
- Ensure compliance with accreditation requirements in admissions.
- Ensure compliance with legal requirements for international students.
- Foster an atmosphere of trust, unity, and teamwork.
Position Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree from a Reformed seminary preferred
- Demonstrated success in sales or admissions strategy and execution
- Pastoral concern for prospective seminary students
- Ability to relate with a wide variety of constituents
- Strong analytical and administrative skills
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- A deep appreciation for the importance of theological education
- Understanding of and ability to articulate Reformed Theology and the seminary’s mission, vision, and values
Orlando Contact Information
Employer Name: RTS Orlando
Employer Address: 1231 Reformation Drive
Employer City: Oviedo
Employer State: Florida
Employer Country: USA
Employer Zip: 32765
Employer Phone: (407) 366-9493
Contact Name: David Veldkamp
Contact Position: Vice President of Administration
Contact Email: dveldkamp@rts.edu
Orlando Contact Information
Employer Name: RTS Jackson
Employer Address: 5422 Clinton Blvd.
Employer City: Jackson
Employer State: Mississippi
Employer Country: USA
Employer Zip: 39209
Employer Phone: (601) 923-1670
Contact Name: Step Morgan
Contact Position: Director of Admissions
Contact Email: smorgan@rts.edu
+ Reformed Theological Seminary – Orlando, 1231 Reformation Drive, Oviedo, Florida 32765, 407-366-9493, Fax: 407-366-9425
+ Reformed Theological Seminary – Jackson,5422 Clinton Boulevard,Jackson, Mississippi 39209, 601-923-1600,Contact Page
Comments are closed for this Article !