Published 2 May 2025
On being human together
Embracing the task of mutual respect.
A blog post Women Scholars and Professionals
It’s easy to romanticize the role of professor, painting a picture of the noble scholar working tirelessly to shape eager young minds. But what happens when this vision collides with a grittier reality? English professor Nicole Schrag shares her reflections on teaching in a challenging campus culture — one where the struggle to uphold virtues like honesty and and integrity does battle with a Machiavellian cynicism that values a ruthless pursuit of economic gain. Nicole’s honest telling of this story will resonate with many of you, and her thoughtful exploration of the cultural and systemic factors at play bring new light to the challenge. (Don’t miss her unexpected and insightful references to Martin Buber and Pink Floyd.) Perhaps you might chime in by leaving a comment with your responses to her questions: Have you recognized a culture of deception in your institution? What resources have you found in your faith or faith communities to help address this? Stay tuned for the second and third installments of this series from Nicole in the weeks to come.
“Beyond all the partying and entitlement, it's the culture of deception I experience here on a day-to-day basis that has made me increasingly concerned about how my students view their fellow humans.”
There are moments when the difficulties pile up and, inevitably, the question arises again: Why am I doing this? What is the point of this PhD or job or research project or fill-in-the-blank? When those wonderings come, it’s encouraging to note that these questions are universal, a normal part of the process. We’re reminded of Christine Jeske’s article “Are You Wasting Your Life?” where she explores these mental gymnastics with a thoughtful, gentle kindness. Spoiler alert: you probably aren’t wasting your life, but the questions are a good step toward the kind of continual discernment we must engage in as thoughtful Christians. And just a note — if you’re in a tough spot, let us know so we can pray for you. Our team gathers weekly to pray for our community, and we’d be honored to include your request in our prayer time.
“It’s a question I’ve asked a lot in the past few years. Getting a PhD or any kind of education will do that to you. Writing papers that no one will read except your professor, reading book after book and forgetting most of what’s in them, and looking ahead toward scarce jobs and scattered pay. Why am I wasting time, money, and years of my life on this education?”
Would you (or someone you know) enjoy working with Women Scholars and Professionals? We’re looking for someone with skills in marketing & communications. Check out our job listing!
Pray with us! You can join our online, 30-minute guided prayer meetings on Fridays at 8 am, 9 am, and 12 pm (Eastern) through May 16 when we take a break for the summer. Can’t come? Send your prayer requests anyway by emailing us at wsap@intervarsity.org. Ready to pray? Join the Zoom meeting here for those Friday meetings.
Summer Book Club. Mark your calendars and join Women Scholars and Professionals this summer for a discussion of Steven Garber's The Seamless Life: A Tapestry of Love and Learning, Worship and Work. We’ll meet three times over the summer beginning on May 20. Click through for details!
FROM OUR FRIENDS AT INTERVARSITY PRESS
Transform Your Writing: A Workshop (June 23-27, 2025) Do you feel called to write but wish you had more time to focus on it? Would you like to improve your craft or learn to write more effectively? Do you need encouragement or consultation to discern next steps on your writing? If so, the Transform Your Writing workshop might be for you. Space is limited, so apply now!
IVP Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!
Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Ages & Stages: How Women Work & Lead Across Seasons of Life. This spring the DePree Center at Fuller Seminary joins Women, Work, & Calling at The Denver Institute for Faith and Work to host a four-part webinar series explores the challenges and opportunities unique to distinct seasons of life through the experiences of women who have lived and led through them. Click through to learn more.
The Faculty Theological Collaborative (August 4-6, 2025) supports Christian professors at secular universities in faith-informed research and teaching. Cosponsored by Regent College, the Center for Christianity and Scholarship, and the Consortium of Christian Study Centers, this three-day workshop at Duke University provides advanced theological training, living examples of the unity of faith and scholarship, and rich fellowship with Christian faculty across institutions and disciplines. Click through to learn more.
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