The Voice of the Interim President Dean

The work of a President-Dean, even on an Interim basis, is very stimulating. Your life is embraced by the lives of many others across the nation. Last week, I was privileged to attend the 49th Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Jurisdictional BMCR. It was held in Atlanta and attracted people from Virginia on the north, Florida on the south, and Mississippi on the west. The attendees were clergy and laity, working together in the interest of all.

The high points for me were: The Report of the Chairperson, the Reverend Dr Byron Thomas, a gifted preacher who is pastor of the Ben Hill United Methodist Church. He made the theme, “White Racism” , come alive in very graphic ways. Then, there was a panel of three (3) bishops addressing the same topic. Bishop Sue, of North Georgia, was awesome in bringing her entire Extended Cabinet to the session. In all of my years, this was a first. The bishops were faithful in staying on point. The Paine College Concert Choir provided music for the Friday Luncheon and President Jerry Hardee was most eloquent as our speaker.

I was pleased to meet students who are future Gammon students. Presence and interpersonal relationships are pivotal to recruitment. It is my hope to receive an invitation to visit the campus and students at Paine College.

Gammon is moving forward and I am honored to be a part of the team. Pray that we will remain faithful while on the journey of excellence in education and service. “A mind is a terrible thing to waste, and a great thing to invest in.”