Dr. Tim Summerlin, President

full name:  Dr. Charles Timothy Summerlin

birthday: January 12th

hometown: Port Arthur, Texas

alma mater: Yale for my Ph.D and Abilene Christian University

major: English

Visit Office of the President
 

2012 is now well underway, and I am reminded how quickly time passes and how slack I can be in keeping this message fresh. Looking back at some of the items I “recently” cited, it is clear how much has changed. For example, Prof. Michael Kahl and choir members are scheduled for another choral tour abroad in May, this time in Ireland, where they plan to soak up and bring back as much moisture as possible. Plans are being developed for a possible summer study trip to London. Keep in touch with Martha York in Study Abroad for developments. Our July study abroad program in Florence is set to resume in the summer of 2013.

Academic programs on campus continue to grow. Our BSN program is well underway, and all members of the initial junior class of 23 students had a successful fall semester. Meanwhile, we launched an MBA program offered partially online and partially at times that fit the active professional’s schedule. Check those out in our academic section. The vitality of the academic experience at Schreiner is demonstrated on the freshman level by the initiation of the Reacting to the Past concept last fall in IDST 1101. A dozen of our faculty participated in a seminar at Barnard College to prepare themselves for an interactive learning approach that engages students with persistent human issues as they occurred at decisive moments in history.

Our most recent building project was completed by the beginning of August, permitting another 96 students to live in the attractive suites of Oaks II. Yes, the site has introduced palm trees and sand volleyball to the campus as well. In the fall, we completed the first phase of renovating the busy area between the Cailloux Center, Griffin Welcome Center and Gus Schreiner Dining Hall. We believe this new area, the Commons, is both attractive and functional, and our hope is to complete the second phase over the summer. Last summer we also contracted with the firm Apogee to expand Internet bandwidth and wireless access points on campus as well as to provide 24/7 assistance. Students have been pleased by the difference this step has made! Meanwhile, two classrooms in Weir and considerable space in Logan Library have been renovated for digital learning. The necessity of continuous progress in claiming the powers of technology is beginning to be part of our genetic makeup.

We recognize how challenging it is for families to afford a residential college experience and its opportunities for growth of character and intellect. But we also know how important such an education is and how strongly those who experience it affirm its value. That is precisely why Schreiner pays such exceptional attention to balancing its commitment to quality with a close eye to managing cost. Sometimes it means working a little smarter, but frankly that is a trait that benefits any enterprise. We will not change that commitment.