A Sense of Mission — Adams Enters Second Decade as FDU President (Part 4)

 

A Decade of Distinction — FDU Magazine Summer/Fall 2009
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A Sense of Mission (Part 4) Photo: J. Michael Adams — "My greatest sense of pride comes when I can empower someone to make a difference." Making It Personal


"There are two ways of exerting one's strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up." Booker T. Washington

I

n his approach to guiding a university, Michael Adams is decidedly one who prefers to pull up. “My greatest sense of pride comes when I can empower someone to make a difference,” he says.

Indeed, even with all the highlights and accomplishments, Adams is quick to deflect credit away from himself. “I’m incredibly lucky. I’m surrounded by great people who are doing great things. The true role of a president is to authorize things to happen. I have tried to enthusiastically support my colleagues and give them a sense of ownership. They have done the rest.”

Adams says there are three themes that run through everything he does: agility, execution and making it personal. He adds that his decisions are always based on how they will impact the individual. “I actually tell my grandchildren that my job is to make them want to come to Fairleigh Dickinson. I constantly think how our actions will affect the next generation. That’s how I make decisions.”


“Michael Adams’ inclusive yet decisive style of leadership has created change
over the last 10 years that has brought national attention and prosperity to the
University. With relentless focus, he has inspired our institution and its students,
faculty and administration to higher levels of performance. With great pride, we
are now known as a leader in global education, preparing students to be global
citizens who make a difference. In his quiet and humble way, he has strengthened
the University for generations to come.” Patrick J. Zenner, MBA’75 (R), Chairman of the Fairleigh Dickinson
University Board of Trustees

Despite an avalanche of correspondence and communications, he responds to every note, returns every call and is known for reaching out to friends and colleagues in times of personal challenge and in celebration. Many people affectionately talk about receiving a celebratory note after an anniversary, a sympathetic call following an illness in the family or a congratulatory letter with commemorative coins after the birth of a child or grandchild. “My FDU friends and colleagues have sustained me and inspired me in my professional and personal challenges,” he says, “and I always want to be there for them.”

He recalls that he and his wife, Susan, were quickly and warmly accepted into the FDU community. “Susan and I owe a tremendous gratitude to all those who have supported us through the years. We deeply value the friendships we have made, and look forward to building even stronger ties to the people who make up this special community.”

Adams says he is especially grateful for the support of his wife, whom he describes affectionately as his best friend. “She is there at most of the events, she is patient and supportive through the long hours and constant demands, and she herself has become actively involved with the University, particularly through her work with the Friends of Florham [a group established to preserve the historical integrity of the College at Florham’s buildings and grounds].”

President Michael Adams,  drops in on student filmmakers, led by David Landau, associate professor of film and animation, during a shoot in the Great Hall of Hennessy Hall, College at Florham.

Even after a decade as president, Adams says the job is filled with surprises, starting with the many times he discovers new examples of people doing incredible things. “I’m continually amazed by the number of people who are so passionate and committed to serving others.” For example, he says, he just recently learned that the University’s Center for Psychological Services has been providing important services for U.S. veterans. “Our community members are changing lives, and they expect nothing in return. It’s very inspiring, and there are so many examples that I see on a daily basis.”

There are challenges as well, and problems that keep him awake. Foremost among them now are the financial concerns triggered by the global economic crisis. “I think in some respects we’re in new territory here. Families have been hit hard, and their ability to afford education has been stretched to the limit. So we have to work even harder to help with greater support services, more financial aid and the best academic programs possible. We certainly need to make sure students and their families know the value of an FDU education, particularly during these trying times.”

At the same time as the University confronts such problems, Adams says it’s important to still seize “breathtaking opportunities.” For example, he is very excited about the FDU’s proposed School of Pharmacy, which was approved by the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and now is in the accreditation application process. “I believe this will be a transformational initiative for the University, both in terms of reputation and revenue.”

As for his frustrations on the job, Adams says his enthusiasm for progress can sometimes race ahead of the realistic pace needed. “I am patient for things to happen, and I trust the process, but sometimes things don’t happen as fast as I would like them to occur.” Despite that fact, Adams says there hasn’t been a moment when he questioned the course he charted for the University.

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On a Mission | Making the Mission Real | Making It Personal | Moving Globally

   

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Link to Article "A Sense of Mission" Link to Faculty Profile — Jason Scorza Link to Mission Milestones & Highlights — FDU-Vancouver Link to New and Enhanced Facilities Link to Athletics Accomplishments Link to A New Culture of Philanthropy Link to FDU Alumni Association Link to A Message from J. Michael Adams