Education, Educators, and Administrators
By RL WITTER
In the pages of this month’s education-focused issue, we highlight two individuals who have dedicated their lives to educating and administrating for the sole purpose of helping others. Often, they knew their professional paths at a young age; they cared about people and community and set out to improve both.
Both Medgar Evers College President Patricia Ramsey and Rutgers University President William F. Tate IV expressed their commitment to the communities surrounding their respective schools. Interestingly enough, both presidents are also scientists and people of faith. Many might think science and faith are opposing ideologies, but Ramsey and Tate see things differently. They understand what education can do and are dedicated to doing their parts to increase the opportunities and successes of both students and communities.
The Bible encourages education, knowledge, and wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” We’ve all heard that “cleanliness is next to godliness”; knowledge and instruction are, too. By educating members of our communities, Ramsey and Tate are strengthening our residents, our communities, and our collective future. They take it a step further as they advocate for more funding and press for more affordable tuition.
Tate operates from a position borne of the Bible, “Who is my neighbor?” In the context of his position as a university president, he said, “We’re trying to create systems to help people have better lives; in public policy where we’re evaluating how different actions are impacting our neighbor; in nursing, social work, law, education—how we are going to prepare our neighbors to go out into the world, compete, and be successful.”
Ramsey told us, “I knew I wanted to do something to positively impact not just the people who are inside the gates, so to speak, but the community.” Within six weeks of her joining MEC, Ramsey had garnered a $20 million grant for support of two new programs that do just that. Brooklyn Recovery Corps is a program that connects students with nonprofit organizations and small businesses for internships and other opportunities. Through CHAMPSS (Cultivating Holistic Academic Mindsets to Promote Student Success), freshmen and transfer students can earn full-ride scholarships.
Often referred to as “the great equalizer,” education can lift people and families out of poverty, extend communication and understanding between parties that initially disagree, and bring resources and opportunities to communities that have been traditionally underserved.
As we progress through the coming semesters, trimesters, marking periods, and years, let’s treat education and educators with the respect and gratitude they are due. Let’s make sure punctuality, attentiveness, and a healthy work ethic are prioritized and learning environments are respected. Many will tell you they fought for their education as if they were fighting for their lives. They’re not wrong. Proverbs 4:13 tells us, “Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”
Don’t let go; fight for it.
