For Such a Time as This
An Interview with Sherry Ryan

Sherry Ryan and her husband, Doug

Sherry is an associate professor
of Information Technology and
Decision Sciences at the
University of North Texas

After six years of a stellar career in academia, Dr. Ryan was among a group of 12 professors denied tenure in a controversial move by a new provost at the University of North Texas. She decided to appeal—but that wasn’t her biggest challenge.

RI: What prompted you to go into academia?

Ryan: I worked for IBM for a number of years and had been traveling a lot. I decided that this wasn’t good for my family situation, so I left to pursue my Ph.D.

Being in academia is easier to juggle being a wife and mom than in the corporate world because it is more flexible. There are times when you need to do things professionally and you also need to do things with your family. As we get older, I think we realize how important time with family is compared to time with the job.

RI: You went through some difficult times when you were denied tenure and then went through the appeal process. What do you look back and think of during your tenure appeal?

Ryan: There are issues that come up in the whole tenure process that are difficult. As a Christian it’s important to always show Christ’s love and to act like a Christian in difficult situations.

I was considering going up early for tenure in 2003; my chair and dean suggested that I do so because my publishing record is strong. I decided not to do that because I was going to take a medical leave that year.

I waited until 2004 and submitted my case to the new provost. I found out in April of 2004 that I was denied. I met with him because I thought there must be some kind of misunderstanding. He would not even tell me why I was being denied tenure; he was cordial but brushed me off. I tried multiple times to find out why I was denied tenure.

Three days before my appeal hearing I was asked by the provost’s office to mediate with him and after a full day of negotiations we ended up in a settlement. I resubmitted my application and updated my packet, and received tremendous support from my deans, both the former and acting deans. I received tenure.

When I was initially turned down, I struggled with forgiveness. I know that my tenure case was strong and that I was wronged. Subsequent events proved that out. But the whole issue of forgiveness was still there. I have struggled with sharing my story—will that come across negatively as a Christian, or should I stand up for truth, especially for those professors whose tenure situations didn’t have a good outcome?

What struck me was that the provost thought he is in control. But he’s not. God is in control. I had confidence that if God wanted me to remain in the university He would make a way for me to do that, and if He didn’t want me there, then I didn’t need to stay.

RI: You’ve been facing another, more challenging, struggle as a professor: a diagnosis of MS. How have you dealt with this disease?

Ryan: I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis right after I finished my Ph.D. But it really didn’t bother me and most people weren’t aware of my condition. Several years later I was diagnosed with a particular kind of MS that only affects the spinal cord and in which the limbs are much more greatly affected. It has been tough. I went through a period of anger with God. I went through questioning “Why me? Why does God heal others and not me?”

As the disease continues to progress it’s a real struggle. But I know God is faithful. I use a wheelchair a lot and use a walker a little bit.

I occasionally battle with fear. Jesus often said “Fear not.” I think when we are afraid it shows a lack of trust. But I still have to face this.

RI: Have there been any times you have considered quitting, either because of the problems with the provost, or with your MS?

Ryan: Recently, I thought about whether I should continuing working. In the past three years I've gone from walking with a cane, to walking with a walker, to using a scooter or wheelchair when I have to walk more than 20 feet. I've wondered if it would be better if I spent more time concentrating on my health: spending more time at aquatics, working out, or just resting. But, I feel God has a purpose for my being at UNT. When I was unfairly denied tenure I knew God was in control, not the provost. If He wanted me to stay, then it would happen. Of the 11 faculty who appealed tenure denial, I was one of two who were eventually granted tenure. This strengthened my belief.

Through this whole process the issue has been one of learning to trust God. At times that’s really difficult. I do believe that on the Cross He died for my sins but also my sickness. I do believe that I will be healed and that my body just needs to catch up. It’s difficult when I see the disease progress and it affects my family, my teaching and the amount of things I can do. I really appreciate the friends and prayer support that I have received.

People have told me that they see God’s strength working through me, because I couldn’t do what I’m doing without God’s strength.

RI: What fruit have you seen from the decision to stay?

Ryan: I've been able to pray with students about their problems. Students have told me that it is encouraging to them in their Christian walk to see a professor who openly acknowledges Jesus as Lord.

In my classes I do share that I am a Christian and that my faith is important to me. Students know where I stand. Sometimes there are students that let me know that they are Christians as well.

On Thanksgiving I had some of the international students, and some of the graduate students that I work with into our home. I felt that it was what God wanted me to do in sharing His love.

RI: You were featured on the Conversations CD in the article "I married the perfect guy." How has Doug responded to your decision to go into academia; to your MS; to your tenure situation?

Ryan: Doug has been supportive of everything I do. He was really angry when I was denied tenure because he knew that I had earned it. He's been so wonderful in dealing my increased disability due to MS. He is great at doing practical things like going to the grocery store, doing laundry, taking me out to eat when I don't feel up to cooking, etc. Emotionally it's been hard on him, but he's never lashed out or complained that it now takes me so long to do things, like getting dressed, or just walking from room to room. He's awesome!

RI: What would you say to the professor who feels isolated as a Christian on campus?

Ryan: God has placed you in the university for such a time as this. It is a special calling and opportunity to share God’s love with others. We each must seek God and figure out how to be a positive influence in their situation. As Henry Blackaby says, we must find out where God is working and join with Him.

TOP