One Person Can Make a Difference

An interview with Jim Terhune
Journalism and Communications
University of Florida

RI: Your tenure at U of F spanned 36 years. What do you see as milestones or significant events during that time?

Terhune: I considered "administration" my true calling; I think that's not usually the case. The major academic milestone (beyond tenure and promotion) was becoming an administrator--chair at age 36 and associate dean of the College six years later.

A second milestone (less academic) was probably becoming a newsletter editor. For 20 years (by my choice) I edited the semi-annual newsletter of the College of Journalism and Communications, the Communigator. It was a creative task that complemented my other responsibilities. Newsletters serve an important role--and that's why I'm willing to tackle this ezine [as an editor].

RI: What unique challenges were presented, and how did your faith affect your job?

Terhune: I am absolutely convinced that one person can make a difference. When that one person is an administrator, it's even more likely. In my career I became associated with the expression "lying down in front of the bus." I believe there are situations or issues where you must speak up. When you do, others will likely join you (if your position has merit). I didn't lie down in front of every bus, but neither was I run over. I dealt with scheduling College events on Sundays, or computer labs on Sunday mornings; serving alcohol at student functions, or alcohol in general so it would be a ‘classy’ function.

RI: In an article that appeared in Campus Crusade's Worldwide Challenge magazine, you are quoted as saying "CLM has helped me be braver and bolder." Can you explain what you meant by that?

Terhune: I was thinking specifically about two incidents. The first was our first Christian Faculty Fellowship ad in the student newspaper at the University of Florida. In it we listed our names as Christians and invited students to come see us. A woman in the Sunday School class I taught at the time came to me and said, "I don't believe I would have been brave enough to do that." What I realized was that without my colleagues I probably would not have done it either.

The second reference was to my participation in six Campus Crusade-sponsored faculty speaking trips to Asia. I was put in situations far beyond my comfort zone (speaking to challenging audiences) and was able with God's help to meet the challenge.

The best illustration is probably my first trip to Mongolia. Two weeks before our departure I was invited to be the keynote speaker at a seminar including the nation's top 40 journalists. I was asked to speak about Freedom of the Press--not one of my specialties. I felt very inadequate, but sought help from my colleagues. I ended up translating our First Amendment into Mongolian (or having it done).

At the seminar I met a leading journalist and adjunct journalism professor. He invited me to his home (twice) during my stay. I met his family and I was able to share my faith with him. We met on subsequent visits when I again spoke in his classes. In 1997 he came to the University of Florida (at my invitation) as a visiting lecturer for a week. He attended my church. He later became press secretary to the President of Mongolia. We remain in contact. He remains an inquirer, if not a believer. I credit my CLM mentor Mike Sorgius with believing I could do it.

RI: As an editor of the Real Issue, what are some goals you wish to accomplish?

Terhune: I hope the Real Issue ezine offers exciting and challenging material that encourages Christian faculty to be braver and bolder and to succeed in their academic careers. The Scripture teaches us that we are to fear not. I believe we are led by examples, mentors. When others take public stands, that encourages us to do likewise.

What others say:
"Since Jim’s retirement, I’ve missed his professionalism, his courtliness, his good sense, his dignity, and his concern for students. He was a class act.” --William McKeen, Chair, Journalism, University of Florida.

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