|
|
home : articles : TRANSITION TO A NEW LEADER IS UNDERWAY
|
|
| TRANSITION TO A NEW LEADER IS UNDERWAY |
written by Robert Osburn, Ph.D. on January 6, 2009
After almost 13 years as the Institute's executive director (1996-2009) and three as its director of international programs (1993-96), Bob Osburn recently announced his resignation from the Institute. "I have been thrilled to advance a Christian academic perspective on the University of Minnesota campus," he said. "I am still enthusiastic about the potential of this ministry to bring genuine renewal to the University of Minnesota, as well as to provide a Christian intellectual lifeline for students.”
When asked about why he was leaving, he indicated that he believed that a new leader would be better able to bring fresh life to the vision, as well as bring more skill to the task of organizational development. "I am a visionary, a networker, and an educator, and while I believe God has used me to significantly develop the Institute's programming and its reputation, the time is ripe for new leadership." Osburn indicated that his future plans are still uncertain, but he said that he hopes to act on a long-held dream to develop a curriculum for preparing international Christian college students to be redemptive change agents. He hopes to continue to teach his course on religion, ethics, and educational policy at the University of Minnesota, and hopes to write a book in 2009.
Bob Georges, president of the Institute’s board of trustees, reported that the board accepted Osburn’s resignation with deep appreciation for all he has done in service to the Institute and the University of Minnesota. They have asked him to remain on as executive director until March 31, 2009, to assist in the transition. Osburn gladly agreed as he remains as committed as ever to the mission and vision of MacLaurin Institute.
John Deen, vice president of the board, offered this reflection on Bob Osburn’s contribution over the past 16 years, “His devotion and work in the University of Minnesota has resulted in a stronger knowledge of both the breadth of God’s will and the workings of God's will on campus and beyond. We join Bob in pointing out that the good that has been done is only through His grace, but we celebrate with Bob that God's grace has shone through Bob's work in so many ways.”
As the Osburn chapter draws to a close, the Institute is ready for the next chapter to begin. Georges indicated that the Board has already begun the search for a new executive director and expects to make an appointment in the spring or early summer. "Till then," said Georges, "we are committed to seeing the Institute's vital ministry go forward. A new director will make his or her mark on the Institute just as Bob Osburn has, but our focus remains constant. We will work to help faculty incorporate a Christian perspective in their research and teaching, to equip students for Christian cultural leadership, and to bring outstanding Christian scholars to campus for lectures and conferences as resources to both the University and the larger community."
|
| Printer friendly version of this article |
|
|
|
