As I walked along the banks of Riley Creek with Dr. Jane Wood, I knew she was a perfect fit for Bluffton University.
As a student worker in Bluffton’s public relations office, I had the great privilege and honor to provide campus tours to the presidential candidates. I had the opportunity to tell them about Bluffton’s campus, students, faculty, staff and everything else under the sun, as well as our core values: discovery, community, respect and service.
Bluffton’s 10th president, Dr. Jane Wood. Photo provided by Bluffton University
Dr. Wood was obviously committed to those values without even being a part of our campus, yet.
She reflected her passion for discovery when she asked thought-provoking questions about how Bluffton can be the best in its class. She asked the students what we were involved in, what drew us to Bluffton and how we think the university can be changed and improved. She didn’t just listen to our answers; she wrote down notes about what we said and asked follow up or clarifying questions to our responses. She truly was interested in what we, the students, thought about Bluffton as a whole.
She embraced our community when talking to and interacting with students we saw along the Riley whom she didn’t even know. She said hello to the Bob’s employees and asked how they were doing. She greeted faculty and staff with a warm smile and a firm handshake. As a leader, I feel she will take the time to hear from people from all areas of campus and really embrace and chew on their questions and concerns.
She showed respect and admiration for our physical campus, as well as the people who live and work within it, when she talked about its beauty and her vision for its future. She shared her thoughts on how Library Field could be further utilized possibly for concerts and performances. She discussed how well the newer buildings were incorporated in style and design and how the campus had a natural beauty that made it stand out from other campuses.
She supported our commitment to service when she praised and told me about the value our cross-cultural programs and the educational and service experiences offer to students. She told me stories about her own experience creating, developing and leading a cross-cultural experience all because of a short conversation with one of her students. She shared her strong belief in these experiences and mentioned it could become a prominent feature of the university’s academics.
In addition to the campus tour, I had the chance to further my conversation with Dr. Wood during a student lunch. I felt Dr. Wood’s genuine interest in the students and the university was clear. Her goals and vision for the university were appealing and gave me hope for the university’s future.
Her background in higher education gives me hope for Bluffton’s academic future. She has aspirations for the university and wants to help us reach them. Bluffton’s general education program is undergoing a major overhaul, and having the expertise and insight from Dr. Wood’s previous experiences could positively impact the outcome of those changes.
As a senior, I feel connected to Dr. Wood as “my president,” even if I’m not a student during her tenure, which shows promise for all the alumni wondering about her commitment to Bluffton’s current and former students.
As a conservative on what can feel like a mostly progressive campus, I often feel looked down upon or unwelcome in some conversations. However, I think Dr. Wood’s presence on campus could build a bridge between the gaps. She is insightful and well spoken, and she wants to hear from all of us, no matter your political, religious, academic or ethnic backgrounds.
I am excited for Bluffton’s future and have faith in Dr. Wood to bring us there with her.
