On August 6th, Inside Higher Ed ran a story about potential suitors looking to purchase or lease SJ(C?). At that time, Dr. Dobler was quoted as saying that the college "is not for sale and the mission of the college is not up for grabs". Contrast that with more recent statements from Trustees and the fact the college is looking to sell every campus property outside of the immediate core. Dr. Dobler, in my opinion, lacks vision. What he has is a position.
Far be it from me to think that I've got it all figured out either. I've enjoyed reading comments from folks like John Garrison, SitkaTed, and others because they've done some serious thinking and searching about how SJ may find an authentic future. At best, what I offer is a perspective about creating an authentic vision for the campus.
First, this vision must take into account the needs of this community. Community is loosely defined here on purpose, as there is the geographic community of Sitka, the native community, religious community, etc. that need to be heard and included. How many other possible communities might there be that can offer insight into the next SJ?
Second, this vision must come from folks willing to make it happen. We've got current Trustees who leave any mention of SJ out of their bios. These folks aren't getting it done. This is why there is no doubt in my mind that the future of the campus should include the environmental sciences. Former faculty and the hatchery staff have already formed the Sitka Sound Science Center. They're organized, committed, and have a vision for environmental education in Sitka.
Who else is out there willing to make this happen? How many of us (former staff, faculty, etc.) would return to put our vision to work?
The future of SJ(C?), if there is to be one, requires an authentic vision, informed by real community needs, and led by impassioned champions. The first steps only need to be small ones.
9 comments:
A colleague and I from Antioch University Seattle came up last summer, just before the "suspension" and held a workshop in Place-Based Education. As we walked by the campus it was easy to think of ways that the college could expand some programs, refocus others, develop targeted marketing campaigns, serve a huge, new population - and - make a lot of money.
My colleague, Rob Wang (now at Colorado Mountain College) couldn't help but notice the ships in the harbor and the dozens of tourists walking by the campus each of the days we were in town. Of-course the weather was great during our stay, so that was somewhat deceptive, but to see so many people go by but not to the campus (except some to the museum) - seemed odd.
We talked about programs (seminars/workshops/institutes) the college could market nationally in cross-cultural education, natural resources management, environmental education, outdoor education, organizational effectiveness, leadership, fisheries, school change and others.
We knew that the college could attract corporate training sessions from three days to one week; not just in the summer, but throughout the year. We could see that the multi-million dollar tribal and federal employee training industry could have a base in Sitka on the SJ campus.
And we both immediately recognized the joint marketing that could be done with the cruise and other tourist industries (charter fishing, adventure tourism, recreational vehicle routes of interest) for summer programming.
Though many of the cruise-based visitors would only have an hour or two on campus, their brief visit might open the door to attendance at a professional training session several months down the road.
We kind-of figured the real money would be in the October-May programs that could be developed. But the summer sessions would also bring in considerable dollars.
This type of planning would require that the college re-think its calendar and be creative about its core academic programs. Would it hurt the Christian mission of the college, or the focus on Native education? No. In fact, those two constituencies could be among the primary targets of a multi-pronged marketing campaign (with an expansion from Alaska Native to American Indian).
There really is no other way for a small college to survive in this day and age. An institution the size of SJC has got to concentrate its efforts on several segments of the market - with the obvious attraction being the community of Sitka, the natural beauty of Southeast Alaska, the richness of the local cultures - and the quality of the programs that would be offered. There is a no-cost, natural advertising campaign going on every time a tourist walks by.
As for the current leadership of the college, I can only say it's hard if not impossible to be visionary and take concrete steps toward that vision when 90 percent of your time is devoted to managing crisis - hanging onto what you have. That doesn't excuse certain mistakes that were made and the way the doors were suddenly closed and the situation that students and staff are in... But at least I can see why they haven't been able to achieve whatever vision they might have had early on.
Enough said. At some point the talk has to translate to action. I recommend that we schedule a conference call between the several "interest groups" that are still willing to pour their heart and soul into a new college. If we are organized enough and garner sufficient support from the communty, certain federal agencies and various "leaders," maybe the board will listen.
Ted Wright
206-501-0637
PS, I don't want and would not accept a job at the "new" college. Just trying to do what I can to restore to Sitka and Alaska part of its educational foundation.
By the way, if the anonymous person who called me a "clown" in an early post wants to do so again, he or she is welcome to do so. I'd just ask that they identify themselves and have the courage to put forth some constructive criticism or their own vision, if any. I have thick skin, but little patience for cowards. Thanks.
Ted, well said on both posts! I agree about not being brave enough to post ones name!!!
If memory serves me right I believe that several ideas purposed have been part of the history of SJC. The one issue that is not addressed is how to erase the huge debt. Unless the holders of the first mortgages are willing to give NEW ideas a chance we are all blowing smoke to get too deep into the future of SJC with whatever name is used.
I'd like to share my vision. I know that for 30 years, the Environmental Science Program has turned out experienced marine biology and fisheries professionals. These people have helped make Alaska what it is today. They can be found in lots of places-ADF&G, Private Non Profit hatcheries, to name just a few. The SJC Hatchery was the basis for how these people got their start in fisheries during the past 30 years.
My vision is simple- Keep the Hatchery Program going, in one form or another. Keep Education going at the Hatchery, in one form or another. There are several ways to do this. Establishing vocational training programs, and supplying the workforce with practiced, experienced fish culturists is the very least the hatchery program can provide. But it goes way beyond that.
Keep the Science Program going, and researchers will want to use the resources of the Tongass National Forest, and Sitka Sound / Gulf of Alaska, to further the understanding of our world, right from our own doorsteps. All those Senior Projects....these ideas are the beginnings of scientific investigations that will lead us into the future.
My vision is to maintain the Environmental Science Program by allowing dedicated people to continue to do what had been going on there, in the Sage Building, for many years. Provide learning opportunities for everyone- including students from our community, as well as from afar. Promote partnerships with other Universities willing to share in the research opportunities, of which there are many. Reach out to the thousands of visitors who walk along our streets every year, and help them realize what makes Sitka special.
There are indeed dedicated people wanting to keep the legacy of the Sage Building alive. I am one of them. I see such tremendous potential in the building and grounds, and I remain dedicated to keeping it going, if only as a volunteer.
This blog is reaching perhaps hundreds of thousands of people who care. I can offer a way for those who care to contribute to my vision. There has recently been established at Wells Fargo Bank, in Sitka, Alaska, a business account, called "Friends of the Hatchery" account. I started this account myself, with the first donation of $100.00. The balance is already growing, and it grows because people who care are investing in the existence of the Hatchery Program by giving. By giving to this fund, the feed required for this enhancement program can be purchased, the electricity for the building can be paid for, and all the costs of running this program can be covered. Without this funding, the program, as it exists today, could die.
Every dollar that goes into this fund will ONLY be available for the Hatchery. It will IN NO WAY go into the General Funds of SJC. This is my solemn promise. All donations that go into this account are tax-deductible as well.
The Hatchery Program Must Live On!! Science and Learning Should Never Stop in the Sage Building!! I have read these blog entries, and I know there's many, many people who want to see some, if not all, of the original SJC maintained. We must Insist on this!! There is a will, so there is a way!
If you want to know more about how to go about donating into this Friends of the Hatchery fund, please feel free to email me at daniel.goodness@gmail.com. We write these entries, and we read these entries, because we care. We do it almost daily, am I right? Thanks to everyone who cares, particularly Chris, who made this forum possible. My hat goes off to you, Ted, for your dedication to your perspective. As long as enough people continue to care, then a positive outcome is inevitable. This is my vision, to keep Science and Education alive in the Sage Building, and on the hatchery grounds. Who is willing to help in this quest for what's right?
Thank you,
Dan Goodness, Hatchery Manager
SJ Hatchery Program
To Anonymous:
The mortgage holders, or at least primary mortgage holders on the core campus buildings - are federal agencies that would, almost certainly, rather transfer them to a new educational entity. The Rasmuson Foundation also has an interest in at least two or three of these properties.
Alaska Growth Capital is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that is supposed to (depending on how you look at it) provide financing to organizations that provide services to American Indian or Alaska Native tribes - communities. I've been digging around to see what rules might apply to the way they can or can't re-sell any assets they might obtain through suit or bankruptcy.
To Dan:
I totally agree with you. The Sage building and hatchery program must be saved, regardless of who or what entities own and operate pieces of the old SJC. I will send a $100.00 check to the Wells Fargo account you specified within the next couple weeks. I challenge or implore others to do the same, or to send as much as they can depending on their circumstances.
Hope you folks had a nice Thanksgiving. Oh, and Marcel, thanks for your comment. Much appreciated
Ted
A future vision for SJ; frankly as it has already been said it will take different leadership before anything substantial will happen.
As the person who worked the closest with the most volunteers at SJC over the last 4 years I can tell you that there is still an army of volunteers out there that would be willing to help with labor and, or money. However too many of the volunteers have been burnt by SJC too many times before they will step up in groves without seeing a real plan backed by real leadership. Most of the volunteers that I worked with I’m sure would want to see a Christian school that served Alaskan Natives as was Sheldon Jackson’s dream.
I agree that the hatchery and other environmental sciences should and could have a future at SJ. However, without accreditation why should students elect to come to Sitka for training when there are other schools that are accredited?
If SJ can get out from under the heavy debt with anything still intact and under new leadership I for one would be willing to come back to do what I could to help. I’d once again be willing to work long hard days as long as I knew what I was doing was for a greater good and was not just profiting officers of the SJ Foundation. (Yes, like so many others I have to wonder who is going to profit by the liquidation of SJ. I also have to wonder was the board and the President really that incompetent? Each time the board votes to retain Dr. D the more I have to wonder.)
As Chris said the first vision has to take into account the community. Chris is right the vision needs to be defined. I for one see that community much as I think Sheldon Jackson did. I feel that he saw it as an asset to the native people of Alaska, to Sitka and to all of Alaska. Today that vision could still include a Christian mission and could include a much broader community than was possible in Sheldon Jackson time.
I’m sure it is still going to take a long time for all this mess to be sorted out. Let’s just hope when it does that there are a few buildings left, a little bit of land and new leadership.
It's come to my attention recently, with my relocation to Juneau to attend UAS, that there are many non traditional students out there who want to stay in, or move to the SE area but UAS doesn't offer the programs or certificate trainings that they're seeking. What I'm hearing a demand for is more Voc-Tech training such as construction, electrical, engine repair and such. It seems to me that there is space at SJ for a Tech school, along with or aside from the idea of a four year institution. Just another idea coming from people I've met here at UAS who want training, but not necessarily the BA, or BS degrees. Does Alaska even have a more technically oriented school?
Most people choose AVTEC for technical training in Alaska. It's affordable, and people recognize the name.
Vision has always been a problem, and it kind of seems like now the board's only vision is not losing control of SJ.
It's kind of like when you burn the eggs, and then won't let anyone else try, because you're sure they can't do better.
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