In 2016 I became a new faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. It was a significant career move for my family and me, and to be honest a little nerve-wracking. I had prayed about the move and I felt we were making the right move for us.
When I got to UNCW, even though I saw lots of religious posters on campus, I still was not sure how I would fit in as a faculty member who was a Christian. But on Faculty Orientation Day things began to change.
How to Make Tenure
During the first break, I walked out to the lobby. A Faculty Commons representative warmly greeted me and welcomed me to UNCW. I wasn’t aware of the group but was so pleased to know that the university had such an organization. They gave me the booklet called “How to Make Tenure.”
Earning tenure is such an overwhelming challenge to a new faculty member and here was Faculty Commons providing information that I needed. My concerns and prayers were being answered.
But my need for reassurance continued.
As the semester continued, I got to know several Christian faculty and staff members. It became more apparent that it was okay to be a Christian at UNCW and to share concerns and joys with new friends. One day, the dean of our college passed me in the hall and was quietly singing to himself “This Little Light of Mine.” It meant the world to me. Again, I felt like God was letting me know that I was in the right place.
The Easter Resurrection Ad
Before the Easter holidays, the Faculty Commons ministry invited to affirm that I believed in the resurrection of Christ by adding my name to those of other Christian faculty in a campus newspaper ad attesting to the miracle of the resurrection. I was hesitant, but then agreed. Afterward, our Faculty Commons staff member asked me to consider posting the newspaper ad where my students and colleagues would notice it.
Again, I was hesitant. Eventually, I took a step of faith and posted it outside my office. Again, my heavenly Father brought new strength and joy to me as I trusted Him in this challenging venture. Over time, I’ve found myself with the encouragement of the Faculty Commons movement here to look for ways to share my Christian faith with other faculty and students.
I hope I have been a blessing to others as they have been for me.
Micah Scott
University of North Carolina at Wilmington