The days between Thanksgiving and New Years bring interludes of looking back and looking forward, reflection and resolve, and gratitude for the bountiful gifts of family and friends. As an early riser and a dogged disciple of the 30-minute treadmill workout, I use these seasonal pre-dawn minutes to work out the details of my belief that everything happens for a reason. I am often tentative about confessing this spiritual belief that escapes the statistical analysis and the accompanying probabilities that usually guide my professional behaviors, but I remain devout in my belief.

Just two years ago, Betsy and I were ensconced in North Myrtle Beach and both of us were fully engaged in the affairs of Coastal Carolina University and our community. Separately and together, we were privileged to assist with the important work of the United Way of Horry County, Tara Hall Home for Boys, CASA (Citizens Against Spouse Abuse), and community improvement groups. Each of these associations was a gift. We believe that opportunities to serve are not earned or deserved, but gifts bestowed by others.

Now, as 2008 and the almost unimaginable passage of the first decade of the 21st century approach, Betsy and I are filled with gratitude for new gifts bestowed by students, staff, and faculty at Glenville State, friends in Glenville and beyond, and elected officials and educational leaders from across the state. Our year and a half at Glenville State College has brought untold kindness and generosity that we can never repay. We may not yet fully understand the details of this particular chapter of everything happening for a reason, but Betsy and I acknowledge a greater reason and will be forever indebted.

I look forward to 2008 as a year of new partnerships for Glenville State College and our many communities. The West Virginia High Tech Consortium will join with us in forging a criminal justice program that will bring leading law enforcement technology to the campus. The West Virginia Divisions of Corrections and Juvenile Services and the Regional Jail Authority will explore bringing officer training activities to Glenville. These professionals will provide invaluable interactions with criminal justice students. The Canaan Valley Institute, with its professional staff and 3,200 acres of highlands, will join with the College's biology and land resources programs to broaden students' learning opportunities. Mountain Made, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting awareness of West Virginia's distinctive artistic resources and education through heritage arts demonstrations and workshops, will bring its resources to the College and Glenville.

I have several New Year resolutions, a few mine and more suggested by Betsy who is eternally optimistic about my spousal possibilities. Of greater community interest is my firm resolution to replace the temporary Glenville State College sign at the Hays City intersection with a bricked sign located higher on the hill, a sign that more suitably announces the presence of a rare community resource.

Betsy and I wish you happy holidays with family and friends and a New Year filled with the gifts of human kindness and service.