There are all sorts of criteria to measure the effectiveness of a university such as our own Andrews University. As a board member and board vice chairman, I care more for the end product, I guess, than many of the technical methods for measurement. An e-mail letter crossed my desk the other day that caught my attention. Believe me, that’s not easy amidst the storm of mail I receive in a typical week.
But this letter speaks so pointedly and emotionally to the effectiveness of Andrews that I decided to share it with you, dear readers. Her name is Melissa, and I could supply her last name, but I do not wish to expose her to unwelcome inquiries. Here goes:
“My experience at Andrews University has been one that I will never forget. During my tenure at [Andrews] I have learned the true meaning of friendship, and that no matter the ethnicity of others around me, we all have a common foundation, and that is Jesus Christ.
"I do not feel alone as a servant leader on campus because the leaders all around [Andrews] show me their humility and their true characters through their willingness to serve me, a student, and to give me a smile of encouragement. I can remember one specific situation that truly touched my heart.
"I was in my room studying one night when there was a knock at my door. Imagine my surprise when I saw the head dean of my dorm standing at the entrance! I thought I was in trouble! She simply smiled, handed me a couple of granola bars, an encouraging note, and told me she was going around to all the students giving them a little snack to help them make it through their study time. I was astonished! My dean visited me personally! Wow! That’s what [Andrews] is all about. Teachers and leaders preaching a message, acting on it, and helping you make the most of your experience.
"It’s great, it’s unforgettable, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s the [Andrews] experience. Thank you, Nadine, and everyone, for making my [Andrews] experience all that it should be and more!”
I guess that rates Andrews an A+ for human relations and student experience. Keep up the good work, Andrews.
