Quality Assurance Office

Location:

Conway, AR

Posted:

November 08, 2012

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Resume:

Dr. Maurice A. Lee

Extended Resume: Maurice A. Lee

STATEMENTS OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Administrative Philosophy

In my professional career, I have tried to incorporate an administrative philosophy which is basically democratic, goal oriented, disciplined, and student focused. These components are essential in determining what and for whom tasks must be accomplished. I strive for consensus in decision making, but the reality of academic administration and of the many constituencies to be served is that one may occasionally face disappointment in this area. At the same time, if one communicates effectively, in a timely manner, and accurately, a quality I aim toward, one can achieve success in administration. Shared governance and the dedication to what collective consciousness can accomplish are the keys to such success, and as long as administrators understand that it is not their egos but the integrity of the office that must be maintained, success will happen.

The interchange of ideas and the interaction among faculty, students, and staff are important elements of my administrative philosophy. As a chief administrator, one must know how, when, and to whom authority is delegated; and most importantly, one must listen to his peers and subordinates. I take pride in good work and demand professionalism from personnel at all levels. None of the above elements are effective, however, without scrupulous planning, both long and short range. Such planning is central to my administrative philosophy.

Educational Philosophy

I do not believe many people in today's society would deny that education is important. The key to the success and survival of colleges and universities in the twenty-first century, however, is the degree to which they illustrate to that society just how important education is, maybe even more importantly, in what ways it is important. This premise more than any other has impacted on my philosophy of education, which broadly stated is one which seeks to ensure that people who have the desire and the capacity to learn are given the opportunity and support in getting an education. The role of colleges and universities in support of this philosophy will be more important in the next few years than ever before, especially given the current concerns with educational policies and principles. Of equal importance is the way in which the ever increasing technology can be harnessed effectively to enhance the important aim of quality assurance education. Technology has always been associated with the sciences. In this century, however, the merging of technology and the humanities, the increase in distance education, and a better understanding and utilization of experiential learning will be the vital components of a university's or college’s success to educate its increasingly diverse population. Global awareness and language efficacy will be key components of this success.

An educational philosophy which incorporates the values of equity, access, and diversity, as I believe it should, must now be aware of political realities, economic pressures, and affirmative action critics, as well as be able to articulate the goals and objectives of the philosophy to which faculty and administrators ascribe. In other words, we need to do a better job of assessing what we do and explaining why what we do works. I firmly believe that a serious, thoughtful, and intelligent inquiry will strengthen the philosophy, but the task will be a difficult one. The "bottom line" for me is a belief that society benefits from an enlightened, educated, and well trained citizenry. It is the responsibility of dynamic educational institutions to provide that training and enlightenment, as well as to ensure that its citizenry is treated fairly and provided with a safe and healthy environment in which to be so educated. I look forward to the challenge of providing leadership for these new and exciting educational endeavors.

REFERENCES

Dr. Gabriel Esteban

Provost, and Professor

College of Business

University of Central Arkansas

201 Donaghey Avenue

Conway, Arkansas 72035-0001

501-***-****

501-***-**** (Home)

Email: ********@***.***

Dr. Anne Federlein, President

Kentucky Wesleyan College