Presbyterian College - Pac Sac Yearbook (Clinton, SC)

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COMMUNITY 19

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Purpose, Performance and Permanence Ten years ago a new President came to Presbyterian College in Clinton in response to an invitation extended by the Trustees of the institution. There was a need for someone to give attention to the overall life of the in- stitution. This involved the primary purpose for the existence of the college, the institution ' s actual per- formance and its long-range stability and well-being. The President ' s assignment, and therefore, his concept of the health of the college community will reflect the elements which compose his task. Academic and care- taker functions are related. Bifocal vision must be exer- cised. Events of the present are of great importance. They must be balanced with future possibilities and developments. It is my considered conclusion that the college is in good health as far as its reason for being is concerned. The purpose the education of young men and women in the realm of liberal arts and sciences within a distinc- tively Christian context is being achieved. We are in the business of teaching and learning. Achievement is confirmed in the experience of those who have graduat- ed as well as those who are currently moving toward graduation. Genuine intellectual freedom undergirded with a concomitant sense of responsibility to the church and society in the pursuit of liberating learning is a reality in our institution. Our performance as a community of teachers and learners is not as good as it might be. Yet, we are glad for the progress which has been made. I personally believe we have a very adequate and sometimes ex- ceptional faculty. They are well trained, committed to teaching and convinced of the value of relating to the individual student. Some experimentation and innova- tion in both calendar and curriculum has occurred and has proven beneficial. The soft spots in our performance in both learning and teaching are reasonably evident. The level of motivation to achieve is low at times. The academic climate on campus needs strengthening (a new library will help). Student leadship in academic affairs is stronger than in previous years, but it needs bolstering. The level of maturity evident among most students is gratifying and yet there is need for larger acceptance of responsibility. Visitors who come to cam- pus, and who are veterans in the practice of campus observation, tell us our campus and all personnel in the college family give an impression of friendliness, cour- tesy, dedication to the work at hand, enthusiasm about college endeavors and satisfaction in what is being done. All of us realize the honest differences which exist in the area of social standards and guidelines, but believe these can be reasonably resolved. What about the future? How permanent is the small, liberal arts college on the American educational scene? There is no real question about survival. We will be in business! The Church, the Alumni, the Faculty, Stu- dents, Staff, Trustees and other leadership and support groups are unanimous in this assertion. Careful manage- ment, arduous endeavor and strong faith will continue as the order of the day. Change is inevitable, but nec- essary re-ordering of priorities will be made. I believe there is an important and strategic role for Presbyterian College in the future and that this role will be undertaken with optimism and bright hope. 1 n nl Marc C. Weersing 18 COMMUNITY

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Hkad 20 COMMUNITY