MBCNews - Scott 'Catches Comet by the Tail' as Interim Dean

Scott 'Catches Comet by the Tail' as Interim Dean

2009-06-08

Resolution honoring Dr. Scott’s service to the college, which was read at several occasions as his three-year term as interim dean drew to a close in spring 2009:

WHEREAS Dr. Edward Scott graciously and enthusiastically stepped into the position of interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college in 2006 while Mary Baldwin College searched for a new administrator; and

WHEREAS he remained gracious and enthusiastic (and continued to inspire in his classroom as well) when the original one-year appointment continued into a second year; and

WHEREAS his grace and enthusiasm did not waver, but, indeed, intensified, as his interim post entered its third year; and

WHEREAS during that time he was instrumental in the conception, execution, and celebration of the opening of the Spencer Center for Civic and Global Engagement, which has become the college’s rallying core and inspired life-changing programs; and

WHEREAS his leadership and desire — no, requirement — for collaboration on every level inspired faculty and staff to cull their imaginations and intellects to create a feast of innovative academic programs and projects; and

WHEREAS “he did not use the mechanics of a now virtual universe of on-screen commands and messages to convey his authority, but regularly left his office and traversed effortlessly between administrative space, faculty and staff offices, and classrooms to ‘conduct business,’ ‘solve a problem,’ or ‘work through a conflict’ in the flesh,” saith Dr. Roderic Owen, professor of philosophy; and

WHEREAS his fervent and heartfelt welcoming addresses — and even more significant, personal interaction — with prospective students on college visit days and Future Freshman Fridays made it nearly impossible for young women not to enroll at MBC; and

WHEREAS “this humble and wise man cared enough to make the problems of those in need — be it student, faculty, or staff member — his own; he embodies the characteristics Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu described: ‘Kindness in words creates confidence; kindness in thinking creates profoundness; kindness in giving creates love,’” saith Terri Walker, administrative coordinator of academic affairs; and

WHEREAS he did not falter in his rousing service to community, specifically as pastor of Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and a member of the Staunton School Board, during his tenure as interim dean, making a real difference in the lives of area residents; and

WHEREAS the Mary Baldwin community recognizes over and again the power of his deep and infectious laugh, specifically during one unmentionable “boa” incident, saith Teri Maerki, administrative assistant to the president;

WHEREAS “fellow faculty have heard … from their offices … his passionate proclamations as he tried to awaken a sluggish 9 a.m. class and recognizing that his jazz-style deaning has elevated the integrity of said offices, we do hereinafter welcome him back to the department (which he never really left) and proclaim gratitude for his leadership,” saith Jim Gilman, professor of religion and philosophy; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mary Baldwin College community bestows its eternal gratitude upon Dr. Edward Scott for lifting its spirits, soothing its souls, and lighting its paths. To the gentle soul who has invoked peace on all of us too many times to count, it is our turn to say “peace” to you good Dean, and God bless;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be presented to him and duly entered into the minutes of this meeting.

In July 2006, Dr. Edward Scott stepped into the role of interim dean of the college and vice president for academic affairs while the college embarked on a search for a new person to fill the key administrative position. Scott expected that he might be in the position for the better part of an academic year. Or maybe two. Three years after his appointment — with the selection of Dr. Catharine O’Connell, formerly of Defiance College, to fill the position — he will finally say good-bye to the deanship to return full-time to the classroom as professor of philosophy and religion.

His status may have officially been “interim,” but his trademark baritone and ability to — in the words of a colleague — “traverse effortlessly between administrative space, faculty and staff offices, and classrooms” will leave a lasting mark on the position.

Check back on MBC News for more about new dean O’Connell, and, in the meantime, enjoy these reminisces and honorarium – one from Scott himself and the other written in recognition of his service.

The following message is an amended version of Dr. Scott’s final annual Board of Trustees report in April 2009.

"This final year of my service as dean of the college has made me more wistful than I could have imagined. From the beginning, I dared not to believe that I might do any better than simply to do no harm. Had I thought I might star gaze for a year I was quickly and alarmingly made to understand that Mary Baldwin College could least of all abide the will to simply watch a comet. She would prefer to catch it by the tail. President Fox is a comet chaser and had determined that the chief academic officer of the school must chase the comet too.

"Throughout my ride I have been more boastful than modesty will permit of all that we have birthed through the Spencer Center for Civic and Global Engagement. I remain resolved that it captures our best instincts and molds our finest impulses for sustaining local and global relationships ordered by shared concerns.

"I have watched too, with growing admiration, collective ambition to grow an intentional program to address the needs of first-year students. I am especially grateful to co-directors, Dr. Carey Usher and student life staff member Lynn Gilliland ’80, who assume responsibility for fostering the success of this new initiative. The search to find a location for the Center for First Year Experience is underway.

"The remaining areas for which the dean exercises supervision, from graduate programs to library resources, amplify my earlier sentiment about the comet. Each embodies a momentum achieved even in the crucible of devastating economic distress. It has been my good pleasure to mark the headlong flight of the MLitt/MFA program, to relish the tale that is woven by the ascendancy of our athletic program, and to honor the stirring research of our undergraduates.

"In the end, I am blessed among men to have lived without regret, though my vision may have been on occasion impaired by the dust of our comet. I am grateful for these past three years and the grand view they have afforded of a college headed toward a future uncertain but a future it shall surely master. I trust I did small harm during that time, and greater good than I might have hoped. I have fastened my grip upon the comet’s icy core and wait for the relief that new dean, Dr. Catharine O’Connell, brings after spring has run its course and summer brings the uncommon heat of our comet so near the sun."