Soul Care : Christian Faith And Academic Administration

A book for Christian academic administrators that explores virtues in leadership, the dynamics of academic governance, and relationships in the academy.

In this unique volume, several well respected academic leaders reflect on how their Christian faith informs their approach to academic administration. The essays are personal and candid, full of reflections on some of the difficulties and successes the leaders have experienced on their own campuses. Each essay explores some theoretical and theological foundations for administrative work, and then considers one or more specific applications or scenarios.

Part One explores some underlying virtues and values in academic leadership, including humility, administration as pastoral care, and the cultivation of joy. Part Two delves more intricately into the dynamics of academic governance, including difficult personnel decisions, strategic planning, and tough financial choices. Part Three explores relationships in the academy–the continual need to find that personal touch in administrative work.

The editors write: ”The challenge for us, as Christian academic leaders, is to consider how we can meet legal scrutiny and the common standards of academic professionalism without losing the deep conviction that our Christian faith calls us to lead and respond in ways that often run against the grain. How do we love the Lord with heart, soul, strength, and mind, and care for our community and our neighbors, all the while keeping our institutions accredited, efficient, and fiscally sound?” –from the Introduction.