You know, we have a tendency to associate a lot ofthe things we do with divinity.
For example, the selection of songs that the marchingband plays that are derived from spiritual hymns, i.e., “Singing glory,hallelujah! Woo! I go to Southern U.”
Now Church (that’s you, the reader), I would like totestify.
I really wasn’t surprised when newly elected SouthernUniversity System Board of Supervisors Chairman Johnny Anderson went “all out”for his swearing-in ceremony.
Call it what you want, but the ecumenical servicesthat were held prior to the ceremony was just flat-out church.
It was like a revival. But nobody got baptized. Therewas prayer. But who actually got saved?
Though none of the plethora of ministers andpreachers who were in attendance laid hands on anyone, I was expecting somebodyto get some sort of inner edification, but I don’t think anybody had goodintentions to do anything. That is, except Anderson.
Since I am using religion as an analogy, let me warnall of you. Don’t expect Anderson to be your Moses and part the Red Sea of Southernall by himself. Don’t expect him to put on his shoulders the woes of all of youwho are disgruntled.
I’m not saying that he can’t do it. But he is onlyone man. And although I honestly think that Anderson is the best man for thatjob, look at what he has to work with and with whom.
So don’t expect miracles. Don’t expect your systempresident to leave as soon as next week.
You know, we all have our personal ideals about thosewho surround us and make decisions in this system, but let’s not allow ourpersonal feelings to overwhelm our professional aptitude.
Frankly, I too may have my opinions about ourpresident. We all do. But I, along with very few, are brave enough to say it.
But regardless of what you may think of him, hisoratorical skills are bar none. He could sell a raindrop to a thunderstorm.It’s just too bad that some of the things he says aren’t to the pleasure ofsome of those who have dealt with him.
Getting back to Anderson, we all gave him “Amen’s”and clapped as he delivered his promises of turning Southern around.
But guess what? We are going to have to help him.Some of you actually need to leave. Vamoose. Poof. Be gone. Because you aredead weight. You bring the university down.
Some of you are going to have to answer the phones. Imean, is it so much to ask that you actually do your job.
On the other hand, some of you are going to have toactually smile. And all of us are going to have to know what being heldaccountable means.
That means faculty, staff, students…everyone.
Some of you are going to have to leave the personalcrap at home and actually look at your coworkers as professionals no matterwhat they have done.
Some of you are in a comfort zone and it’s not theSUBR Chancellor’s fault.
It’s not the President’s fault. It’s not the SUSystem’s fault. It’s your own, because you don’t think you are indispensable.
If you were one of those clapping during Anderson’sspeech, you would know that everyone is indispensable.
So, we can sit here all we want and think that JohnnyAnderson is going to be “Southern’s Saviour,” but like Jesus, he needsdisciples. Besides, God helps those who help themselves.
So to close my testimony, I’d like to say that may mylast day be my best day and Southern be my home.
Amen!
