To continue the conversation surrounding the recent realignment announcement by Kentucky Wesleyan College, I appreciate the post from current faculty member Professor Emeritus in Chemistry, Dr. W. L. Magnuson. I do find it refreshing that KWC faculty is joining the conversation. However, having said that, I would continue to point to a lack of connection to the current reality. Although, I must say, Dr. Magnuson did follow the “rule” of complete disclosure from the outset…”I admit I am biased when it concerns the College.” – the readers and I both thank you for that.
What puzzles me is what followed…“but facts are facts.” I continued to agree as I expected to read relevant, although one-sided, facts to support the actions of the current administration. A continued read of the entire letter and I did not see any of the expected “facts.”
What I did see was a very proud Professor Emeritus of Chemistry defending his institution, as he should. I am certain Dr. Magnuson is a credit to his profession and an asset to KWC, his colleagues and his students. What I did not see, I’ll say it again, were any pertinent “facts.” The history of KWC, it’s numerous successful graduates and its positive impact on the community are all acknowledged “facts,” but only relevant to support “loyalty,” not “trust.”
However, to transfer “loyalty” into “trust” is not a reasonable conclusion. When one is loyal to an institution or employer, just as expressed, it is emotional support based on past events that warrant the loyalty and generally produced when loyalty is mutual. So, the commitment of loyalty from a Professor Emeritus of KWC is not at all surprising. “Trust,” on the other hand, is a feeling directed at individuals or groups, such as an administration or a Board of Trustees. Trust must be earned through individuals performing in a trustworthy manner. I would submit, confusing one with the other can lead to a misplaced expectation in the outcome.
Believe me, or not, my Methodist background and solid Christian foundations in my youth place Dr. Magnuson and I on the same page of “loyalty.” I am consistently in favor of seeing KWC advance and prosper to spread the teachings that shape a positive world view. Where we differ, is that the current administration is worthy of “trust.” I am, and will, continue to provide the “facts” at KWC that should teach all of us they are not. “Loyalty,” yes, based on a larger view of KWC. “Trust,” absolutely not, based on a consistent lack of trustworthy behavior.
As usual, I will leave you with some food for thought. Please, take a moment to absorb what is being presented as the difference between “loyalty” and “trust.” Think of instances in your own life that might point to the variance between the two. Such as, think of an example of where “trust” was misplaced, and you were disappointed in an outcome. But, sometimes confusingly, a certain “loyalty” still existed in the same situation. If it has never happened to you, you are truly blessed.
Written by
Richard Mays Owen, Ph.D.
Former Adjunct Professor, Kentucky Wesleyan College
