Purpose.  This is an awesome institution.  The faculty and staff work so hard to make a difference in the lives of our students.  On many occasions, I see people go above and beyond the call of duty to serve the College’s mission.  We face many challenges but with the people we have, it’s exciting to watch as we rise to meet those challenges.  And the College will be a much better place as a result.

A CARING AND FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT.  The Christian values that are displayed on a daily basis by faculty, staff, and students make MC a great place to work and thrive.

A place to impact lives.  Coaching baseball allows me to be around young men who have a passion for learning, competing and working hard. Success is measured by getting better every day and enjoying the experience. Winning is simply evidence that your hard work is paying off.

Before working at Manchester, I could have an idea but it stayed there. Just an idea. I didn’t have the resources to give an idea life. Here, we’re challenged to think outside the box. And even though some ideas never make it outside a committee discussion, others frequently are modified and put into action. That’s fun. I love being part of that process, and it is great working with such creative people.

Respect. I’ve found a tremendous amount of respect in this place. People are kind here. Kind to each other; respectful of one another’s questions, dreams, challenges, decisions. When people come together in that type of environment, there seems to be no bounds to what can be accomplished. I hear professors tell their students, “I’m proud of you.” I see students opening doors for those behind them. I see staff members helping others when it isn’t their job. I’ve noticed that when we respect others, and in turn, we’re respected and supported, we tend to work harder and achieve more. Maybe that’s why companies and organizations that hire our graduates tell us Manchester grads typically have a strong work ethic, are value driven, and excel above expectations. Perhaps it’s because that’s how we’ve mentored our students, and that’s how we’ve treated each other. This thing about respect … we’re all in this together.  

my home…again.  My grandmother, Joyce Leckrone, helped me in my decision to attend Manchester College.  She was a librarian here during the 60s and 70s .  When I decided to attend MC I knew I would be in one of the strongest accounting programs in the state.  So despite all of my Manchester High School friends wanting to leave North Manchester, I started classes here in the fall of 1988.  It became my home.  I met my wife here in January of our freshman year.  The professors were challenging, but always available.  Four years later I graduated with a degree in accounting, class of ‘92.

After working in the for-profit world as an accountant for 6 years I decided that I would rather serve not-for-profits.  I was taking a step closer to living my faith, and to be able to serve at Manchester College, my alma mater and the college of my church, it is the perfect blending of where my head and where my heart are.  Serving at Manchester College has allowed me to come home…again.

I absolutely love all of the students here.  They are so enthusiastic and willing to work with others, especially in our community.  They are certainly service oriented and so want to give back!  I especially see this when I observe them working with the children in our IRC reading program. They will take the time to drive as far as an hour away weekly to mentor and enhance the love of reading in a child. Many will spend the day with a child who is struggling academically and socially.  Manchester College students make a huge difference in their lives!

a passion for service to others.   A place where I can be an integral part in working with students who are willing to give back to our local children and communities.  I came to Manchester College as an AmeriCorps Coordinator and worked for the Indiana Reading Corps. When I began in that position the program consisted of helping 50 children in three schools in our area.  I could not believe the number of children who were still in need! It is a strong passion of mine to instill the love of reading in children.  With the help of our wonderful and dedicated students we expanded the program to include 23 schools and close to 500 students!!  The enthusiasm and persistence of our students to make this program such an important piece in their lives as well as in the life of a child has been amazing. There is such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment and I see that in the eyes of our students and the young children that they work with each day.  Manchester College truly values service to others by “connecting faith with action and abilities with convictions”.

A place where I can meet my goals…both professionally and personally.  

It’s an outstanding community to raise our family, work with other sincere and committed professionals, as well as make a difference in the lives of our students and our athletes.