On the Truth about Limestone University
As I sit in my office on mountains of ungraded assignments and foothills of unfinished writing pieces, I am moved to put those aside to offer a dose of reality/common sense.
Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” comes to mind.
Once again, the news is flooded with stories about the financial problems and possible closing of a college. Only this time it’s local. This time it’s one of mine. No, I am no longer at Limestone University, but a slew of kind, amazing colleagues are staring down the harsh reality.
I dealt with the fallout early. Many amazing people remain to try and pick up the pieces. They are doing all they can to navigate their own issues while standing up for a devastated group of students. Now, they are also having to hear comments from the public that range from callous to cruel to downright ignorant. This is largely prompted by news of the “Together for Limestone” campaign.
As I sit in my office on mountains of ungraded assignments and foothills of unfinished writing pieces, I am moved to put those aside to offer a dose of reality/common sense.
Look, as someone who dealt with administration for four years and was placed on their chopping block, I get the critique. But let’s start by dismissing some myths and misinformation, shall we? First, PLENTY of cuts were made. Those who became collateral damage can provide the receipts. Second, certain leadership did this (or allowed it to happen) while most of the campus was kept in the dark, just trying to do our job. Third, becoming a public school or satellite campus does not happen overnight. It takes years to create such partnerships.
Finally—and most laughably—DOGE has no authority over a private nonprofit institution. To those of you calling for a DOGE investigation, please stop.
Lots of people online are ripping the University, with plenty of justification. Just remember that it is not the administrators or trustees who will suffer. It is the people who do the actual work at the University that feel attacked and unfairly criticized. They are the ones who have to go find jobs while helping students transfer while giving a shoulder for them to cry on.
These are people who have endured pay cuts, demotions, and slashed budgets while giving their all to support the students. As for the students, some of them have two courses to get their degree. Even if the school stays open, they will lose their sport and athletic scholarships. We all heard alarms bells in 2023, but no one received adequate warning that this was imminent.
Consider the people who work in maintenance, run the book store, manage housing, coach teams. Consider the local businesses that will suffer when the campus closes. Consider the students at risk of losing thousands of dollars if they cannot navigate a transfer. Consider the ministries and community service, mostly student initiated and led, that is now lost.
Ask Meals on Wheels of Cherokee County how losing this campus would hurt. Limestone may not be Princeton, but it has an extremely hard-working student body that wants to make a difference in the real world.
Again, the losses here are worthy of criticism, particularly directed towards the few that created so much pain for the many. And I fully understand someone choosing not to make a financial contribution.
But while I join in critique of the leadership, I will not criticize the faculty, staff, and students who are supporting this effort. I will not criticize those who choose to give in an effort to make a difference. Too many dedicated people that I love are suffering. Will the donations prevent the closure? Maybe not. But it could give the campus a chance to find their next steps and make a transition.
My hope and prayer is that something may happen that will at least allow for a graceful exit. And I will continue do everything I can to help and support students and colleagues who are caught in this whirlwind.
As you come across stories about my former institution, maybe think before you comment. Especially if you have no inside knowledge or understanding of the problems and possibilities of modern-day higher education.
Sometimes, the best option is just to keep scrolling. Because ignorantly ripping Limestone online does nothing for all the people who are the true victims here.