March 31, 2003

Senior Scholar Academy keeps retired faculty, staff
involved in life of university

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — When most people hear the word "retirement," it conjures up images of sandy beaches, trips overseas and more time with family and friends — a chance to finally slow life’s hectic pace.

But for many retired Indiana State University faculty and staff, slowing down is not part of the equation.

"The definition of the word retirement has changed," said William Dando, interim director of ISU’s Senior Scholar Academy, which is designed to foster the educational and outreach services of emeriti faculty and staff.

It’s part of a nationwide trend that was featured in the Feb. 7 issue of the Chronicle for Higher Education.

"Most retirees want to contribute their skills and talents to society in a positive way. In fact, retirement is not a withdrawal from society or a departure from efforts to create or improve; it’s a time of freedom to do what you always wanted to do and an opportunity to be seized.

"We want to remain connected and continue to enhance the well-being of the university — internally and externally," said Dando, who is also emeritus chairperson and professor of geography, geology and anthropology at ISU.

The mission of the Senior Scholar Academy is to facilitate continued professional growth among senior members of the university community. Some specific objectives outlined by the Academy include the opportunity to:

• Promote continued scholarly activity through research, teaching and service;

• Promote and encourage activities that support the university, the Wabash Valley and the state of Indiana;

• Provide a continuing social outlet for members to sustain contact with colleagues in the university community;

• Assist in the transition from employed to emeriti status; and

• Provide information regarding other matters in the interest of the well being of the membership;

Dando made a presentation about ISU’s Academy at the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE) inaugural conference in October at Indiana University and was elected to the association’s board of directors.

In fact, one of AROHE’s primary purposes is to help retirement organizations achieve their goals — a process which may result in the implementation of new models of retirement in higher education.

This is exactly what Dando and others see as the thrust of the Senior Scholar Academy.

"It’s a unique venture because it’s multidisciplinary in its approach, and it’s seamless in its ability to transition faculty and staff into retirement," Dando explained. "It’s also supportive in the sense that it enhances teaching, research and service while creating important social bonds between faculty and staff."

Others involved in the Academy include: William Brett, emeritus chairperson and professor of life sciences; Paul Mausel, emeritus professor of geography; Robert Clouse, professor of history; Harriet McNeal, emerita professor of art history, humanities and women’s studies; Brad Lawson, emeritus associate dean of the School of Technology and professor of manufacturing and construction technology; Robert Williams, assistant dean of the School of Education, professor of curriculum, instruction and media technology, and director of the Professional Development Schools program at ISU; and Anna Carson, executive assistant.

"Our emeritus faculty and staff are a vital resource," said David Hopkins, senior associate vice president for Academic Affairs. "They possess a wealth of knowledge and a strong sense of dedication and service to this university and to the community at large. This initiative serves as one way that they can continue to enhance and represent the university in very meaningful ways."

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Writer:
Maria Greninger, associate director, Public Affairs,
(812) 237-4357 or m-greninger@indstate.edu

ISU Public Affairs:
(812) 237-3773 or http://isunews.indstate.edu