Malformed University Name, Uncategorized Surveys

Date: Nov 02 2009
Major: Education (This Major's Salary over time)
Bob Jones University offered, and still provides, a framework in which one can take advantage of opportunities to help become a more involved and complete person. It was academically challenging and rigorous. While I was not in the top tier of my class, the sense of accomplishment was rewarding because I knew I had stretched beyond what I thought I could do and learned that I could do well in just about anything I purposed to do. Not only did I learn to challenge myself, I had professors who personally challenged me to excel. Special thanks to Dr. John Churdar, Mr. Ray Hansel, and Mr. Chuck Luttrell.

While I didn't quite realize its importance in my freshman year, Dr. Henson's first exhortation in his biology class was to think critically and sceptically of the so-called declared absolutes touted in science, the media, etc. We were instructed to constructively challenge that which we read and were taught and to test and verify, to our capability, those things which did not appear to be so black and white. That is especially important even 30 years hence as one strives to receive millions of bits of information daily and determine what is true, of value, and how to apply it for one's effective use. That challenge has been a centerpiece of my thought and decision-making processes for these many years.

The rules? Well, I did not always embrace them as my own convictions or standards, but I did learn them and abided by them, by and large, even though I thought some of them to be a bit silly and unnecessary. I soon came to realize that a number of students faced struggles and temptations (yes, even former addictions) that these rules helped them to overcome and manage more easily. In short, I looked at the rules as tools of compliance—we could do most things that we ought to do while a student. I did not agree with all of them, but I did agree to accept and obey them as part of my education.

I am very pleased the university agreeing to becoming accredited. In fact, I encouraged it for many years. I have children of my own and, while there were other considerations, I did not insist they consider Bob Jones due to the lack of accreditation at the time. They were seeking degrees in professions in which no applicable major in their fields were available at BJU, but they also required graduate studies where acccreditation is imperative. Perhaps others in ther shoes will now consider BJU as a candidate for their undergraduate training as a result of the change.

I appreciate most of the views expressed on this site, but while Bob Jones University is a special place, it is not for everyone, even the most fervent Christian. It is for those seeking high caliber education within a decidedly and unapologetically rigorous and Christian environment and then only those who can leave their personal whims and preferences of fashion, entertainment, etc. and happily submit to rules for a mass of individuals with different backgrounds, expectations, and issues.

Would I personally do it over again some 30 years later? Absolutely! In addition to gaining a strong education which I use daily, it is the place where I met the love of my life. We nurtured our relationship there, established our goals and aspirations there, and it endures today with much good to show for having been at BJU and experiencing the healthy, wholesome environment in our years there. It was not always easy, but it was worth it.