Case Studies: Global College

Background of Global College

In December of 1866, Global University was founded by a group of Presbyterian Missionaries.  From the start, Global University had a strong international tie and hoped to create a continuous bond between domestic and international issues.  As the institution grew, so did the student body and areas of study.  Having both undergraduate and graduate areas of study soon became a cause of question among Trustees and faculty members.  Was there a great enough focus on undergraduate education and were faculty resources being used accordingly?  After many discussions, it was decided to rename Global University to Global College and become a research institution for undergraduate students.  By moving to this model, there would be more focus on undergraduate research and faculty members would have a more hands on approach with all students. 

Mission and Vision

At Global College, students are encouraged to work independently while collaborating together.  By doing this, Global College hopes to create interdependent students who can think critically, ask questions, conduct research and communicate effectively.    In order to achieve this, six core values are set in place to help govern this shared pursuit;  educate in a liberal arts tradition, allow for research and collaboration, become a community of learners, have independence of thought, become socially and intellectually responsible and provide diversity and inclusivity. 

In doing these things, the college envisions a community of students who are able to look past earning a four year degree and become leaders in the local and global community upon graduation. 

The Extent to which Global College exhibits attributes of: Personal Mastery, Shared Vision, Team Learning, Mental Models, and Systems Training.

Personal Mastery & Team Learning:

At Global College, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to think outside of the box.  Whether it’s governing the student body or creating new campus policy, critical thinking and inquiry are always encouraged.   As Senge describes personal mastery as approaching life and work “as an artist would approach a work of art” it requires those engaged to have an open mind.   Additionally, Senge encourages team learning as a way to collaborate among members of an organization to create a basis for a shared vision. 

An example of this was when the economy dropped.  While many college Presidents made the decision to cut academic majors or lay off employees/cut salaries, Global took a different approach.  Each thing (people, objects, classes, athletics, etc.) were seen as invaluable pieces of art.  Instead of “throwing the baby out with the bathwater,” Global turned to its community (students, faculty and staff) and asked for shared opinions.  Although the picture was the same for everyone, many individuals were able to approach the situation with their own interpretation of how decisions may affect our greatest asset, the students.  By collaborating and working as team, Global was able to stay afloat while other institutions suffered great financial loss. 

Shared Vision & Mental Models:

At Global College, there are incredible measures taken to ensure that those employed by the college feel empowered.  By motivating employees, there becomes a greater desire for these individuals to feel engaged in the campus community.   As mentioned above, Global College has a rich international tradition.  To ensure that this continues to be present on campus, the President created a program connecting both students and faculty/staff to a broader global community; The Center for Diversity and Global Engagement.  One of the greatest benefits of the center is that it pairs international students with faculty/staff members.  This relationship is known as a “host family.” 

As a former participant in this program, I found that going to work each day was not just about answering emails and returning phone calls.  By participating in this program, I was able to feel a deeper connection to the world around me and appreciate what the college was doing to educate their students.  

Systems Training:

The best example of theory and practice at Global College is to share a story that personally changed my life.  Prior to working at the college, had someone asked me if I would be interested in getting a Master’s Degree, my answer would have been a firm, no! Needless to say, being part of a community of engaged learners changed my mind. Feeling trapped between a rock and a hard place, I confided in the President about my life goals. Remarkably, he was eager to listen and offer his advice. 

After sharing with him that I loved my job too much to quit, but felt the need to move to Nashville to go back to school, I was shocked to hear him encourage me to find a way to make it work. He spoke to me as my “boss” and then moved to another seat in the room and talked to me as a “colleague and friend.” He encouraged me to be creative and supported me by offering to serve as a mentor through the process. By providing intellectual stimulation and individual consideration, I was able to create a brand new position at the college and move to Nashville, TN to work as a regional recruiter while I worked on my degree. 

During my association with Global College I have begun recycling, served as a host mom to two international students, become friends with a Muslim and will soon be the first person in my family to have a Master’s Degree. Although it was Michael Jackson who sang about making the world a better place, I truly believe it was Global University and its tremendous leaders who inspired me to actually do so.