Part II: 2. Interpersonal Development

This section of my competencies focuses on the interpersonal aspects of Higher Education Administration that promote growth and development of others and challenge students to learn and develop in holistic ways.  It covers three main specific areas: (a) effective communication, (b) ethics, values, and spirituality, and (c) social responsibility.  I provide descriptions under each section demonstrating how I have grown in these named areas.

Effective communication—Higher Education Administration fosters effective communication in all internal and external interactions, to establish and maintain cooperative relationships.

I am a firm believer in effective communication.  While I have demonstrated significant growth in my ability to communicate effectively, it remains an area in which I must intentionally invest.  My main weakness is that English is not my first language, and, therefore, my communication in both written and spoken English is not as proficient as I would like it to be.  Nevertheless, I have demonstrated growth in my vocabulary, public speaking skills, and in providing timely feedback in all communication activities relating to my work and volunteerism.  Some letters have been provided herein to demonstrate my increasingly effective communication skills. 

Ethics, values, and spirituality—Higher Education Administration values one’s own identity and culture and articulates the advantages and challenges of a diverse society, promoting multicultural awareness and positive regard for differences. 

The ethics, values and spirituality sub-element of my growth examines both my theoretical and practical knowledge and my ability as a higher education student/staff to promote the success of higher education administration by acting in a fair and ethical manner in accordance with my faith and the law.  Higher education administration functions from a set of principles and personal values that guide my work, promote healthy behavior, and influence my decision-making and relationships with others. 

The responsibility to ensure fairness, integrity, and ethics is somewhat more complicated for Christian higher education staff because the decisions they make might be in accordance with the educational philosophy of the church but at odds with the law, meaning that Christian higher education leaders have to be fully cognizant of the law in order to avoid costly legal implications. One issue with ethics is that it changes with time and context. Several factors influence what a society deems ethical.  Sometimes what is considered ethical or even lawful, may not necessarily meet the standards accepted in private institutions of higher learning. It is up to a leader to strike a balance between the demands of his/her institution’s mission and societal and/or legal demands. 

The artifacts I have collated for this section suggest and demonstrate that I have experienced huge growth in this area, particularly when it comes to research with human subjects.  However, my growth is premised on Christian teachings I received as a young person from my parents and from my Seventh-day Adventist Church.  A compilation of courses I have taken, workshops I have attended, and presentations I have made to students at Andrews University demonstrate my understanding of ethics, legal principles, and how they affect my practice and administrative decisions. In combination, all these activities have contributed to my current understanding and practice. 

Social responsibility—Higher Education Administration is accountable to others and endeavors to see that family, community, and environmental needs are met in local and global ways, as appropriate.

I have made remarkable growth in this area, and I continue to grow.  I purposed in my heart when I was accepted into the program that I would not postpone but actively engage in social responsibility alongside my studies.  I have been pleased with the outcome.  However, I continue to grow in this area. 

Pioneer Memorial Church

Church Elder

Assistant General Sabbath School Superintendent

Grow Group Leader

Nominating Sub-committee Chairman

Member of the Racial Reconciliation Committee

Berrien Springs Public School District

Berrien Springs Public School Bond Campaign Committee Member

Berrien Springs Public School Bond Campaign Research Group Committee Member

Andrews University Change Day

2017 Group Leader – Benton Harbor Public Library

A group of seminarians and I prepare to leave for service at BHPL.


 2018 Group Leader—Benton Harbor Public Library

Benton Harbor Public Library Letter of Appreciation

AU Kenya Club Student Leader

Kenyan Ambassador to the United States

Kenyan Chief Justice

Siburi Mixed Secondary School

Construction of Classrooms