In 1998, while President of Wesley College, I
had the pleasure of serving on the Joint Civilian Orientation Council at the
Pentagon by invitation of then Secretary of Defense William Cohen. A part of
that program was traveling around the country with Pentagon officials visiting
various military installations over a 10 day period. During those visits, I
observed talented 18 to 22 year olds exhibiting tremendous leadership in
critical areas and operating multi-billion dollar pieces of equipment.
My fascination with this program translated to the establishment of the Presidential Assistant/Associate Program at Wesley that fall. Surely, if the military could train and trust college-aged individuals with this tremendous level of responsibility, higher education could and should do the same.
My fascination with this program translated to the establishment of the Presidential Assistant/Associate Program at Wesley that fall. Surely, if the military could train and trust college-aged individuals with this tremendous level of responsibility, higher education could and should do the same.
The Presidential Assistant/Associate Program was established at Wesley College in the fall of 1998. I continued the program at Bethany College during my eight years there and now plan to initiate a similar program at Virginia Wesleyan College.
The program provides an opportunity for students to work with the President of the College and office staff on projects that support the mission and purpose of Virginia Wesleyan College. Typically, Presidential Assistants/Associates do not receive academic credit, unless they make arrangements through their department to complete departmental internship requirements. At Virginia Wesleyan, they will be employed through our work-study program and will work 8 hours/per week. The number hired in a given semester is dependent on a range of factors, but I have utilized from two to 10 in a semester. Most Presidential Assistants/Associates are appointed for the academic year and they can be re-appointed for additional years.
Projects and responsibilities include: assistance with presidential communication, legislative research, social media, student leadership programs, Society for Collegiate Journalists, athletics and recreation, walkabouts, Greek life, diversity, presidential archives, etc.
I am pleased to introduce the first Virginia Wesleyan College President's Assistants during my tenure as president here:
Connor Pederson a junior Psychology major from Corapeake, North Carolina, and
Mario Thourogood, a junior
Business major from Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Connor and Mario began their work in the President’s Office this week. After service for one full academic year, they will be eligible for promotion to President's Associate.
I look forward to growing this program at Virginia Wesleyan the way I have utilized it in the past. It truly is a "win-win": meaningful employment for students and assistance with important work for the Office of the President.
Connor and Mario began their work in the President’s Office this week. After service for one full academic year, they will be eligible for promotion to President's Associate.
I look forward to growing this program at Virginia Wesleyan the way I have utilized it in the past. It truly is a "win-win": meaningful employment for students and assistance with important work for the Office of the President.
