I know, I know…this blog appears to be languishing. I have to blame it on my job-search life! I’m in the process of preparing for three trips, and this involves quite a collection of chores! The only things I’m writing lately are not all that bloggable. However, if you want to check out a short biographical piece I was asked to create for the Community College of Vermont this week, read on…
Greetings, all! My name is Jim Arnold and I’m a finalist for the Dean of Academic Affairs position here at CCV. I have been asked to provide a short biographical sketch containing information I want the CCV community to know about me. So, here goes…
I have, at various points in my life, been a chemist, a photographer, a counselor, and a college/university administrator. I have always been a student (of life, primarily) and, during some periods, a teacher. Education has always been at the center of my life and one of my most dearly-held values.
I have a fairly diverse academic background, having started out with degrees in chemistry (B.S. from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire; M.S. from Oregon State University). After some time working professionally as a chemist, I transitioned my interest in art and photography into a career as a full-time professional photographer. However, I ultimately returned to school, having developed an interest in the helping professions. After earning an M.S. in counseling (also from Oregon State University), I was a counselor & trainer in a job-training/social-service agency and then directed a student support services program in the student affairs division at a small regional university campus in Oregon (a state where I’ve spent most of my adult life). After a couple of years back in higher education, I knew that this is where I was meant to be; I moved to Bloomington, Indiana, to pursue a Ph.D. in higher education administration (at Indiana University). Since receiving that degree, I have been a full-time academic administrator: first for nine years with the Oregon University System Chancellor’s Office (Academic Affairs Division), then, for the last three years, holding appointments as an academic dean at two of Oregon’s community colleges (Dean of Science & Technology at Mt. Hood Community College, and of Math, Science & Liberal Arts at Umpqua Community College).
I’ve served as a part-time instructor in colleges and universities, and as a trainer in social service settings. I have taught general chemistry, organic chemistry, computer applications, communication skills, entrepreneurship principles, job-search and customer-service skills, and research methods. Although I have always enjoyed my time in the classroom, I believe that my true calling is to provide counsel, leadership and advocacy in other ways, particularly as an academic administrator.
I am attracted to CCV and Vermont because of the state’s progressive reputation, a quality that drew me to Oregon a long time ago. Further, I have a desire to find a position that provides the potential for me to make a difference in the lives of students and faculty statewide. I have applied for the position of Dean of Academic Affairs here at CCV because I believe it to be a perfect match for my training, experience and skills. I have been a visible and effective academic leader in Oregon for the last 12 years, working both in central administration for the university system then as a direct supervisor of large and diverse faculty groups on two community college campuses. The Dean of Academic Affairs position here at CCV would allow me to draw upon both the campus and system-wide perspectives I have gained during this time.
I have a long history of being able to bring groups of individuals together who possess competing value systems and interests. I am a team-builder and a leader who not only values but practices effective communication with those I work with. When asked recently about how I “inspire collaboration” within the context of my leadership style, I replied by speaking to these categories:
Involvement. I strive to make each group (program, department, division, college) a “team.” I support an environment where the attitude is “everyone is in this together.” I get team members together, face-to-face, to talk about the direction of the group or organization as well as their areas of concern.
Delegation. In involving others in the work to be done, I delegate responsibility and tasks by asking others for their help. And, once an assignment is handed off, I am available for support, guidance, coaching and/or mentorship as much (or as little) as the individual needs me to be.
Respect. I demonstrate genuine respect for each person, for their talents and abilities, for their diverse viewpoints, and what they offer to their team. I listen.
Caring. I demonstrate, though my actions and words, my caring for each person in the organization. I invite conversation, I pay attention, I encourage, and I cheer-lead.
Trust. I assume that everybody is here to do their best. I trust everyone to do that. I trust that my colleagues are honest with me, as they can trust me to be honest with them.
Support. I lead a department or division or college by offering my support. I am here to help make people’s lives easier, not more complicated.
Communication. I utilize my communication skills, both written and oral, to keep my colleagues informed and up-to-date. As much as possible, I operate on a “no surprises” rule, so that decisions or actions do not take anyone around me off-guard. I aim to make each human interaction one in which I am totally present. I listen carefully to the stories of others. I pay attention to who they are, what they need, and how I can help.
I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can during my short time here in Vermont.