Apen University-Experiences

Just stop it...please...

 

Because you asked so nicely, ok.

 

How dare anyone use logic and reason in a higher education community!

 

No....I just finished that class. I want a break from it for awhile...lol

 

Abner

 

I think this hiring choice makes a bold move in the world of higher Ed. I think the folks doing the hiring need to look at many aspects. Number one, can he really teach and MANAGE?, or is he just all theory and application? Going against tradition sometimes ruffles feathers.


In the martial arts world, there is a constant conflict between the die hard traditionalist, and the "others". I am an "other". I observe the traditions I was taught since I was a young boy, but I practice various forms of arts that discard the ancient horse stance, cat stances, forward stances, etc. The punching style I used if based on alignment, and I kick from the floor (a big no no to traditionalists). Why? Because it works on the street, period. So, if I hired a Dean of Martial Arts mastery, would I only hire a traditionalist, or would I hire an out of the box thinker? I see an emergence of old school higher ed, and new schoolers like myself, and others here, clashing. This is good because it pushes the envelope forward, and it makes people rely on more than "tradition".

As far as someone looking at the website? I don't know. I think they would see a school that shows great programs, and impressive grad pix. The website is something that is constantly being updated and improved. Dr. Lady has only been on board a little over a year, but he is a new schooler, and I am glad.

Just my humble thoughts,

Abner

 

Thanks, I got your PM!!!!!!!!!!!

Abner

 

I understand your sentiments, and I agree with most of them.

I have no problem with a non-traditional approach. However, minimal standards are required, especially with a view toward accreditation.

I'm a fan of hiring EdDs with practical experience, especially for those over K-12 education programs. These people can take cutting-edge, non-traditional approaches and can do quite well.

However, it would be a false dilemma to think you had to hire either a good manager or an appropriately credentialed person. You can have both.

Also, while I recognize that the Doctor of Management is a legitimate credential and that the MEd would be sufficient for teaching undergraduate courses in education, the DM degree is simply not equivalent to an EdD or a PhD in education. It's apples and oranges. Sure, the DM would greatly help in administrative processes, etc., but it fails as a qualifying credential for teaching graduate education courses.

Aspen offers a doctoral degree in education. Is it too much to ask that the Dean of the school offering the degree would at least be equivalently credentialed?

 

Is there going to be a quiz over this?

 

Question--

Of the Aspen alumni here, has anyone seen a direct increase in salary due to their attaining a degree from the school? I seem to remember one individual in a prior thread saying he earned $6K more immediately, but I can't find the post.

I realize salary increases are not the only gauge of success, but it's going to be a potential selling point as I weigh options.

 

Well, after being on a waiting list for a promotional opportunity in my government agency, I finally received word that I got the position! I will get a raise of $8,500.00 a year at the low end, and will work up to $15,000 more a year at the high end. My MBA kicked it over the top for me!

Abner

 

It may also be a false dilemma to create a straw man argument about why someone has different credentials than we think they should, when we are not experiencially qualified to make such a decision nor are we in the habit of making such decisions...

 

How close of an appeal to an authority do you think it was?

 

It's not a personal preference of mine to say that a dean of a graduate school of education should possess credentials in the field. That's a generally established principle. I realize Aspen isn't SACS-accredited, but from SACS' guidelines on faculty credentials (http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/081705/faculty%20credentials.pdf)....

It's fair to ask questions about the credentials in view here.

It doesn't matter whether or not I am in the habit of making decisions in that regard. I can still point out potential issues. Aspen is not a sacred cow.

Additionally, in no way is this a false dilemma or a straw man. I recognize the mockery, though, and we can get past the fallacy discussion.

 

Yes, of course, but it is important to also listen to the answers to those questions... Aspen is DETC-accredited. The dean of that school does have the appropriate credentials and experience for that position, as required by the accrediting body.

 

I hope to have great experiences and reviews in the months to come....

 

Keep us posted!

Abner