Discussion: View Thread

Another job posting for an associate professor made its way into my email
in-box a short while ago. For some reason this one triggered more than a
cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete key. This time I sat there,
regretting my lack of educational credentials. It saddened me for a moment
to think that I have learned so much over the years that can never be shared
that way. What a waste.

I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of a college degree
(coupled with spending the first 20 years of my working career in the Navy)
has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed a fiction. True enough, I
have had a career that many with far better credentials never achieved and
that some envy. However, forever unanswered goes the question: "What might
I have accomplished had I been armed with those credentials?" I suspect my
accomplishments might have been much greater.

However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of remedying the situation.
Nor do I have any intention of wallowing in regret. I just thought I'd
share a reflection with my better educated colleagues and to let you know I
envy you the potential you enjoy and that eludes me. I hope you come to
appreciate it as much as I do.

Regards,

Fred Nickols, CPT
Distance Consulting
"Assistance at a Distance"
nickols@att.net
www.nickols.us

Dear Fred,

Perhaps now is the time for you to do graduate work and share your hard
earned knowledge through some thoughtful writings. Given your age and,
I presume, financial security, you don't have to rush through the
process. Yet, it seems to me you could write a hell of a dissertation
and some interesting articles.

Respectfully,

Ralph



On Jul 20, 2004, at 1:54 PM, Fred Nickols wrote:

> Another job posting for an associate professor made its way into my
> email
> in-box a short while ago. For some reason this one triggered more
> than a
> cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete key. This time I sat
> there,
> regretting my lack of educational credentials. It saddened me for a
> moment
> to think that I have learned so much over the years that can never be
> shared
> that way. What a waste.
>
> I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of a college degree
> (coupled with spending the first 20 years of my working career in the
> Navy)
> has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed a fiction. True enough,
> I
> have had a career that many with far better credentials never achieved
> and
> that some envy. However, forever unanswered goes the question: "What
> might
> I have accomplished had I been armed with those credentials?" I
> suspect my
> accomplishments might have been much greater.
>
> However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of remedying the
> situation.
> Nor do I have any intention of wallowing in regret. I just thought I'd
> share a reflection with my better educated colleagues and to let you
> know I
> envy you the potential you enjoy and that eludes me. I hope you come
> to
> appreciate it as much as I do.
>
> Regards,
>
> Fred Nickols, CPT
> Distance Consulting
> "Assistance at a Distance"
> nickols@att.net
> www.nickols.us
>

I applaud what you have done with your life and I don't see that 66 is so old you couldn't go ahead and give some lucky institution of "higher" education the opportunity of having you as a student.

Similarly, though I have collected a bunch of degrees, I have never done research, and now find, at 75, I WANT to, but am having the challenge of finding my right place!

Thank you for sharing.

Edryce

Ralph Hanke <ralphh@psu.edu> wrote:
Dear Fred,

Perhaps now is the time for you to do graduate work and share your hard
earned knowledge through some thoughtful writings. Given your age and,
I presume, financial security, you don't have to rush through the
process. Yet, it seems to me you could write a hell of a dissertation
and some interesting articles.

Respectfully,

Ralph



On Jul 20, 2004, at 1:54 PM, Fred Nickols wrote:

> Another job posting for an associate professor made its way into my
> email
> in-box a short while ago. For some reason this one triggered more
> than a
> cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete key. This time I sat
> there,
> regretting my lack of educational credentials. It saddened me for a
> moment
> to think that I have learned so much over the years that can never be
> shared
> that way. What a waste.
>
> I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of a college degree
> (coupled with spending the first 20 years of my working career in the
> Navy)
> has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed a fiction. True enough,
> I
> have had a career that many with far better credentials never achieved
> and
> that some envy. However, forever unanswered goes the question: "What
> might
> I have accomplished had I been armed with those credentials?" I
> suspect my
> accomplishments might have been much greater.
>
> However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of remedying the
> situation.
> Nor do I have any intention of wallowing in regret. I just thought I'd
> share a reflection with my better educated colleagues and to let you
> know I
> envy you the potential you enjoy and that eludes me. I hope you come
> to
> appreciate it as much as I do.
>
> Regards,
>
> Fred Nickols, CPT
> Distance Consulting
> "Assistance at a Distance"
> nickols@att.net
> www.nickols.us
>


---------------------------------
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Edryce: What do you mean about finding your right place? Do you mean
geographical place or psychic place? I know you have tried to get
discussion going here on some of your topics- I think your issues are
relevant and interesting. And your mind is sharp as a tack. In our
communiques, I had no idea I was dealing with a senior- may I call you
that? You are insightful and creative- and you have much to say of
value.

What would the right place look like for you??

Collegially

deborah

Deborah Nixon
University of Toronto
704 Windermere Ave
Toronto Ont M6S 3M1
Ph: 416-763-6985
Fax: 416-763-3361



-----Original Message-----
From: Management Education and Development Discussion
[mailto:MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of Edryce Reynolds
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 3:23 PM
To: MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: Re: A Confessed Regret


I applaud what you have done with your life and I don't see that 66 is
so old you couldn't go ahead and give some lucky institution of "higher"
education the opportunity of having you as a student.

Similarly, though I have collected a bunch of degrees, I have never done
research, and now find, at 75, I WANT to, but am having the challenge of
finding my right place!

Thank you for sharing.

Edryce

Ralph Hanke <ralphh@psu.edu> wrote:
Dear Fred,

Perhaps now is the time for you to do graduate work and share your hard
earned knowledge through some thoughtful writings. Given your age and, I
presume, financial security, you don't have to rush through the process.
Yet, it seems to me you could write a hell of a dissertation and some
interesting articles.

Respectfully,

Ralph



On Jul 20, 2004, at 1:54 PM, Fred Nickols wrote:

> Another job posting for an associate professor made its way into my
> email in-box a short while ago. For some reason this one triggered
> more than a
> cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete key. This time I sat
> there,
> regretting my lack of educational credentials. It saddened me for a
> moment
> to think that I have learned so much over the years that can never be
> shared
> that way. What a waste.
>
> I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of a college degree
> (coupled with spending the first 20 years of my working career in the
> Navy)
> has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed a fiction. True enough, I
> have had a career that many with far better credentials never achieved
> and
> that some envy. However, forever unanswered goes the question: "What
> might
> I have accomplished had I been armed with those credentials?" I
> suspect my
> accomplishments might have been much greater.
>
> However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of remedying the
> situation. Nor do I have any intention of wallowing in regret. I just
> thought I'd share a reflection with my better educated colleagues and
> to let you know I
> envy you the potential you enjoy and that eludes me. I hope you come
> to
> appreciate it as much as I do.
>
> Regards,
>
> Fred Nickols, CPT
> Distance Consulting
> "Assistance at a Distance"
> nickols@att.net
> www.nickols.us
>


---------------------------------
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Yahoo! Mail - 50x more storage than other providers!

Deborah,

Great question! Thanks. As to the "senior" label, I tend to shy away from labels. I don't refer to anyone in an age-related way, because I remember when I was in my twenties not being listened to because of my age. I also don't want to be listened to because of my current age. I want to listen to everyone's ideas for their potential merit only.

(No doubt that was more than anyone would like to hear about my reaction to the word "senior.")

My right place would be an institution (which could be anywhere geographically) which would be willing to put me on as an instructor while I defined several research projects. Never have I been in such a role, so I am unskilled at seeking it. I have never functioned in an ongoing "academic" environment, never held the "professor" title, and it's not customary for someone to begin a life of research this late. (Okay, I'm almost saying it - "senior")

You have given me a concrete question which will require some more thought. I appreciate the support.

Edryce

deborah nixon <deborahnixon@sympatico.ca> wrote:
Edryce: What do you mean about finding your right place? Do you mean
geographical place or psychic place? I know you have tried to get
discussion going here on some of your topics- I think your issues are
relevant and interesting. And your mind is sharp as a tack. In our
communiques, I had no idea I was dealing with a senior- may I call you
that? You are insightful and creative- and you have much to say of
value.

What would the right place look like for you??

Collegially

deborah

Deborah Nixon
University of Toronto
704 Windermere Ave
Toronto Ont M6S 3M1
Ph: 416-763-6985
Fax: 416-763-3361



-----Original Message-----
From: Management Education and Development Discussion
[mailto:MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of Edryce Reynolds
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 3:23 PM
To: MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: Re: A Confessed Regret


I applaud what you have done with your life and I don't see that 66 is
so old you couldn't go ahead and give some lucky institution of "higher"
education the opportunity of having you as a student.

Similarly, though I have collected a bunch of degrees, I have never done
research, and now find, at 75, I WANT to, but am having the challenge of
finding my right place!

Thank you for sharing.

Edryce

Ralph Hanke wrote:
Dear Fred,

Perhaps now is the time for you to do graduate work and share your hard
earned knowledge through some thoughtful writings. Given your age and, I
presume, financial security, you don't have to rush through the process.
Yet, it seems to me you could write a hell of a dissertation and some
interesting articles.

Respectfully,

Ralph



On Jul 20, 2004, at 1:54 PM, Fred Nickols wrote:

> Another job posting for an associate professor made its way into my
> email in-box a short while ago. For some reason this one triggered
> more than a
> cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete key. This time I sat
> there,
> regretting my lack of educational credentials. It saddened me for a
> moment
> to think that I have learned so much over the years that can never be
> shared
> that way. What a waste.
>
> I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of a college degree
> (coupled with spending the first 20 years of my working career in the
> Navy)
> has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed a fiction. True enough, I
> have had a career that many with far better credentials never achieved
> and
> that some envy. However, forever unanswered goes the question: "What
> might
> I have accomplished had I been armed with those credentials?" I
> suspect my
> accomplishments might have been much greater.
>
> However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of remedying the
> situation. Nor do I have any intention of wallowing in regret. I just
> thought I'd share a reflection with my better educated colleagues and
> to let you know I
> envy you the potential you enjoy and that eludes me. I hope you come
> to
> appreciate it as much as I do.
>
> Regards,
>
> Fred Nickols, CPT
> Distance Consulting
> "Assistance at a Distance"
> nickols@att.net
> www.nickols.us
>


---------------------------------
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---------------------------------
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Fred
Having attained high executive in organizations such as the
Educational Testing Service, your background as autodidact indeed has NOT
hindered your immensely successful career. I can imagine an institution
such as the University of Phoenix would jump at the opportunity to get
someone with your resume. What is surprising to me is that you find being
66 an impediment to get a doctorate. Indeed I am certain that you could
whiz through such a program. I recommend getting one from a European school
where rather than coursework research might be the focus. That is, find an
institution where you could study and write on in a scholarly way what
interests you. Once you have your doctorate, in the present legal climate, I
suspect that your age would not stop you getting interviews. Once you get
in an interview situation, I am sure that many institutions would want to
snatch you up.
In awe of your management know-how and knowledge,
Charles Wankel

-----Original Message-----

Another job posting for an associate professor made its way into my email
in-box a short while ago. For some reason this one triggered more than a
cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete key. This time I sat there,
regretting my lack of educational credentials. It saddened me for a moment
to think that I have learned so much over the years that can never be shared
that way. What a waste.

I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of a college degree
(coupled with spending the first 20 years of my working career in the Navy)
has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed a fiction. True enough, I
have had a career that many with far better credentials never achieved and
that some envy. However, forever unanswered goes the question: "What might
I have accomplished had I been armed with those credentials?" I suspect my
accomplishments might have been much greater.

However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of remedying the situation.
Nor do I have any intention of wallowing in regret. I just thought I'd
share a reflection with my better educated colleagues and to let you know I
envy you the potential you enjoy and that eludes me. I hope you come to
appreciate it as much as I do.

Regards,

Fred Nickols, CPT
Distance Consulting
"Assistance at a Distance"
nickols@att.net
www.nickols.us

I must disagree Chas, age discrimination is alive and
well in the US. I was reading an article on one of the
first-person online columns in Chronicle.com this year
or last, and the poor doofus new asst prof in charge
of a search made a comment to the effect, "of course
we don't consider any of the 50 and over white males",
in public, on Chronicle.com.

My advice to Fred is, if you want a Ph.D., go get one;
all it takes is average or so intelligence,
persistence, work, time, and a decent supervisor. But
don't expect to get hired into a full-time post at 70,
or 60, maybe at 50.

Regards,
Romie

--- Charles Wankel <cxx@bellatlantic.net> wrote: >
Fred
> Having attained high executive in organizations
> such as the
> Educational Testing Service, your background as
> autodidact indeed has NOT
> hindered your immensely successful career. I can
> imagine an institution
> such as the University of Phoenix would jump at the
> opportunity to get
> someone with your resume. What is surprising to me
> is that you find being
> 66 an impediment to get a doctorate. Indeed I am
> certain that you could
> whiz through such a program. I recommend getting
> one from a European school
> where rather than coursework research might be the
> focus. That is, find an
> institution where you could study and write on in a
> scholarly way what
> interests you. Once you have your doctorate, in the
> present legal climate, I
> suspect that your age would not stop you getting
> interviews. Once you get
> in an interview situation, I am sure that many
> institutions would want to
> snatch you up.
> In awe of your management know-how and knowledge,
> Charles Wankel
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> Another job posting for an associate professor made
> its way into my email
> in-box a short while ago. For some reason this one
> triggered more than a
> cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete key.
> This time I sat there,
> regretting my lack of educational credentials. It
> saddened me for a moment
> to think that I have learned so much over the years
> that can never be shared
> that way. What a waste.
>
> I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of
> a college degree
> (coupled with spending the first 20 years of my
> working career in the Navy)
> has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed a
> fiction. True enough, I
> have had a career that many with far better
> credentials never achieved and
> that some envy. However, forever unanswered goes
> the question: "What might
> I have accomplished had I been armed with those
> credentials?" I suspect my
> accomplishments might have been much greater.
>
> However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of
> remedying the situation.
> Nor do I have any intention of wallowing in regret.
> I just thought I'd
> share a reflection with my better educated
> colleagues and to let you know I
> envy you the potential you enjoy and that eludes me.
> I hope you come to
> appreciate it as much as I do.
>
> Regards,
>
> Fred Nickols, CPT
> Distance Consulting
> "Assistance at a Distance"
> nickols@att.net
> www.nickols.us
>

=====
Romie F. Littrell, PhD, An f�na� fi�in
Faculty of Business, Auckland University of Technology
Private Bag 1020
Auckland 1020, New Zealand
Fax (64) 9 - 917 -9629
http://www.romielittrellpubs.homestead.com/
http://www.crossculturalcentre.homestead.com/





___________________________________________________________ALL-NEW Yahoo! Messenger - sooooo many all-new ways to express yourself http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

Charles, et al., looks like the REPLY and the REPLY
ALL functions both are linked to the mg-ed-dv list. To
reply to the sender I had to cut and paste the
address.
Regards,
Romie

--- Charles Wankel <cxx@bellatlantic.net> wrote: >
Fred
> Having attained high executive in organizations
> such as the
> Educational Testing Service, your background as
> autodidact indeed has NOT
> hindered your immensely successful career. I can
> imagine an institution
> such as the University of Phoenix would jump at the
> opportunity to get
> someone with your resume. What is surprising to me
> is that you find being
> 66 an impediment to get a doctorate. Indeed I am
> certain that you could
> whiz through such a program. I recommend getting
> one from a European school
> where rather than coursework research might be the
> focus. That is, find an
> institution where you could study and write on in a
> scholarly way what
> interests you. Once you have your doctorate, in the
> present legal climate, I
> suspect that your age would not stop you getting
> interviews. Once you get
> in an interview situation, I am sure that many
> institutions would want to
> snatch you up.
> In awe of your management know-how and knowledge,
> Charles Wankel
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> Another job posting for an associate professor made
> its way into my email
> in-box a short while ago. For some reason this one
> triggered more than a
> cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete key.
> This time I sat there,
> regretting my lack of educational credentials. It
> saddened me for a moment
> to think that I have learned so much over the years
> that can never be shared
> that way. What a waste.
>
> I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of
> a college degree
> (coupled with spending the first 20 years of my
> working career in the Navy)
> has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed a
> fiction. True enough, I
> have had a career that many with far better
> credentials never achieved and
> that some envy. However, forever unanswered goes
> the question: "What might
> I have accomplished had I been armed with those
> credentials?" I suspect my
> accomplishments might have been much greater.
>
> However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of
> remedying the situation.
> Nor do I have any intention of wallowing in regret.
> I just thought I'd
> share a reflection with my better educated
> colleagues and to let you know I
> envy you the potential you enjoy and that eludes me.
> I hope you come to
> appreciate it as much as I do.
>
> Regards,
>
> Fred Nickols, CPT
> Distance Consulting
> "Assistance at a Distance"
> nickols@att.net
> www.nickols.us
>

=====
Romie F. Littrell, PhD, An f�na� fi�in
Faculty of Business, Auckland University of Technology
Private Bag 1020
Auckland 1020, New Zealand
Fax (64) 9 - 917 -9629
http://www.romielittrellpubs.homestead.com/
http://www.crossculturalcentre.homestead.com/





___________________________________________________________ALL-NEW Yahoo! Messenger - sooooo many all-new ways to express yourself http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

Have you looked into Executive-in-Residence positions? Most universities
have them, going back at least as far as Chester Barnard's position at
Harvard in the 1930s, and they are intended exactly for talented people with
significant work and management experience like yourself. Some of those
positions often lead to regular faculty or administrative appointments. For
example, Harry Bernard, who spent 30 years at IBM running management
development programs, was invited by USC to spend a year as an Executive-in
Residence, which lead a couple years later to becoming the Associate Dean
for Executive Education at USC, and that's just one of many people I could
cite. Another road to university teaching without going through the hurdles
of a traditional Ph.D. program is through programs like The Fielding
Institute (http://www.fielding.edu/). Another is through the less
traditional universities, such as the University of Phoenix, or online
programs, such as Walden.

Best,

Larry Pate
Redondo Beach, California


-----Original Message-----
From: Management Education and Development Discussion
[mailto:MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of Fred Nickols
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 10:55 AM
To: MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: A Confessed Regret

Another job posting for an associate professor made its way into my email
in-box a short while ago. For some reason this one triggered more than a
cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete key. This time I sat there,
regretting my lack of educational credentials. It saddened me for a moment
to think that I have learned so much over the years that can never be shared
that way. What a waste.

I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of a college degree
(coupled with spending the first 20 years of my working career in the Navy)
has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed a fiction. True enough, I
have had a career that many with far better credentials never achieved and
that some envy. However, forever unanswered goes the question: "What might
I have accomplished had I been armed with those credentials?" I suspect my
accomplishments might have been much greater.

However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of remedying the situation.
Nor do I have any intention of wallowing in regret. I just thought I'd
share a reflection with my better educated colleagues and to let you know I
envy you the potential you enjoy and that eludes me. I hope you come to
appreciate it as much as I do.

Regards,

Fred Nickols, CPT
Distance Consulting
"Assistance at a Distance"
nickols@att.net
www.nickols.us

Dear Fred: I concur with your view but I'm not convinced that the answer
is to run out and get the degree. I am doing such a thing after 25
years in the private sector and I must say that having pursued the
degree has made me realize that it isn't all that mysterious or
special. Often academic institutions try to protect their own through
requiring membership in that small and exclusive club called academia.
Yet many of the people I have taught beside for years have little to no
practical experience and therefore have a significant gap in their
learning. Feedback from students over the years has always indicated
that students really value experience and the ability to transcend
theory with real-life examples of where it works- and where it doesn't.

So, be proud of what you have accomplished. It is the shortsightedness
and elitism of the academy that often freezes out those with your
experience and wisdom. I don't know that there would be a whole lot that
a Phd could teach you that you don't already know. I guess you could
learn how to read all that horribly boring academic literature- but why
would you want to do that????

Collegially

Deborah Nixon
University of Toronto
704 Windermere Ave
Toronto Ont M6S 3M1
Ph: 416-763-6985
Fax: 416-763-3361



-----Original Message-----
From: Management Education and Development Discussion
[mailto:MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of Fred Nickols
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 1:55 PM
To: MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: A Confessed Regret


Another job posting for an associate professor made its way into my
email in-box a short while ago. For some reason this one triggered more
than a cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete key. This time I sat
there, regretting my lack of educational credentials. It saddened me
for a moment to think that I have learned so much over the years that
can never be shared that way. What a waste.

I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of a college degree
(coupled with spending the first 20 years of my working career in the
Navy) has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed a fiction. True
enough, I have had a career that many with far better credentials never
achieved and that some envy. However, forever unanswered goes the
question: "What might I have accomplished had I been armed with those
credentials?" I suspect my accomplishments might have been much
greater.

However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of remedying the
situation. Nor do I have any intention of wallowing in regret. I just
thought I'd share a reflection with my better educated colleagues and to
let you know I envy you the potential you enjoy and that eludes me. I
hope you come to appreciate it as much as I do.

Regards,

Fred Nickols, CPT
Distance Consulting
"Assistance at a Distance"
nickols@att.net
www.nickols.us

I agree! I have five degrees (only one doctorate, though!) and what I have learned is how narrow the higher education community is (generally).

Edryce

deborah nixon <deborahnixon@sympatico.ca> wrote:
Dear Fred: I concur with your view but I'm not convinced that the answer
is to run out and get the degree. I am doing such a thing after 25
years in the private sector and I must say that having pursued the
degree has made me realize that it isn't all that mysterious or
special. Often academic institutions try to protect their own through
requiring membership in that small and exclusive club called academia.
Yet many of the people I have taught beside for years have little to no
practical experience and therefore have a significant gap in their
learning. Feedback from students over the years has always indicated
that students really value experience and the ability to transcend
theory with real-life examples of where it works- and where it doesn't.

So, be proud of what you have accomplished. It is the shortsightedness
and elitism of the academy that often freezes out those with your
experience and wisdom. I don't know that there would be a whole lot that
a Phd could teach you that you don't already know. I guess you could
learn how to read all that horribly boring academic literature- but why
would you want to do that????

Collegially

Deborah Nixon
University of Toronto
704 Windermere Ave
Toronto Ont M6S 3M1
Ph: 416-763-6985
Fax: 416-763-3361



-----Original Message-----
From: Management Education and Development Discussion
[mailto:MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of Fred Nickols
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 1:55 PM
To: MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: A Confessed Regret


Another job posting for an associate professor made its way into my
email in-box a short while ago. For some reason this one triggered more
than a cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete key. This time I sat
there, regretting my lack of educational credentials. It saddened me
for a moment to think that I have learned so much over the years that
can never be shared that way. What a waste.

I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of a college degree
(coupled with spending the first 20 years of my working career in the
Navy) has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed a fiction. True
enough, I have had a career that many with far better credentials never
achieved and that some envy. However, forever unanswered goes the
question: "What might I have accomplished had I been armed with those
credentials?" I suspect my accomplishments might have been much
greater.

However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of remedying the
situation. Nor do I have any intention of wallowing in regret. I just
thought I'd share a reflection with my better educated colleagues and to
let you know I envy you the potential you enjoy and that eludes me. I
hope you come to appreciate it as much as I do.

Regards,

Fred Nickols, CPT
Distance Consulting
"Assistance at a Distance"
nickols@att.net
www.nickols.us


---------------------------------
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Thanks for adding the generally- I should have said that because I
wouldn't want anyone to think this is a dogmatic statement. There are
some wonderful academics but are often doing untraditional work- and
sometimes suffer the arrows as a result.

It has been my experience, however, that those who try to follow a path
that doesn't parallel the typical ie Tier 1 publications and lots of
them, conference papers etc etc-often get shut out. I prefer to consult
to business and test my theories than give papers to academic
conferences. I have been shut out of a number of positions and have
been told that my competitors have stronger resumes meaning they have
published in all the right places but have no business experience-
completely undervalued in academia. I don't even make it to the first
interview despite years of teaching experience, great teaching
evaluations by peers and students, almost 30 yrs of business and
consulting experience, and an in process dissertation.

It wasn't easy to find a home for my dissertation work which I wanted to
be practical and useful to the business community. The job I was to do
was straight theory development in the most abstract sense. I couldn't
find the energy for that so finally found a place that supported my need
to make my work meaningful to those whom we teach and purport to help.
I finally did find that- but not in the business school!

So, there are pockets of inspiration- just not always where you expect
them to be!!

Deborah Nixon
University of Toronto
704 Windermere Ave
Toronto Ont M6S 3M1
Ph: 416-763-6985
Fax: 416-763-3361



-----Original Message-----
From: Management Education and Development Discussion
[mailto:MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of Edryce Reynolds
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 3:24 PM
To: MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: Re: A Confessed Regret


I agree! I have five degrees (only one doctorate, though!) and what I
have learned is how narrow the higher education community is
(generally).

Edryce

deborah nixon <deborahnixon@sympatico.ca> wrote:
Dear Fred: I concur with your view but I'm not convinced that the answer
is to run out and get the degree. I am doing such a thing after 25 years
in the private sector and I must say that having pursued the degree has
made me realize that it isn't all that mysterious or special. Often
academic institutions try to protect their own through requiring
membership in that small and exclusive club called academia. Yet many of
the people I have taught beside for years have little to no practical
experience and therefore have a significant gap in their learning.
Feedback from students over the years has always indicated that students
really value experience and the ability to transcend theory with
real-life examples of where it works- and where it doesn't.

So, be proud of what you have accomplished. It is the shortsightedness
and elitism of the academy that often freezes out those with your
experience and wisdom. I don't know that there would be a whole lot that
a Phd could teach you that you don't already know. I guess you could
learn how to read all that horribly boring academic literature- but why
would you want to do that????

Collegially

Deborah Nixon
University of Toronto
704 Windermere Ave
Toronto Ont M6S 3M1
Ph: 416-763-6985
Fax: 416-763-3361



-----Original Message-----
From: Management Education and Development Discussion
[mailto:MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of Fred Nickols
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 1:55 PM
To: MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: A Confessed Regret


Another job posting for an associate professor made its way into my
email in-box a short while ago. For some reason this one triggered more
than a cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete key. This time I sat
there, regretting my lack of educational credentials. It saddened me for
a moment to think that I have learned so much over the years that can
never be shared that way. What a waste.

I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of a college degree
(coupled with spending the first 20 years of my working career in the
Navy) has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed a fiction. True
enough, I have had a career that many with far better credentials never
achieved and that some envy. However, forever unanswered goes the
question: "What might I have accomplished had I been armed with those
credentials?" I suspect my accomplishments might have been much greater.

However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of remedying the
situation. Nor do I have any intention of wallowing in regret. I just
thought I'd share a reflection with my better educated colleagues and to
let you know I envy you the potential you enjoy and that eludes me. I
hope you come to appreciate it as much as I do.

Regards,

Fred Nickols, CPT
Distance Consulting
"Assistance at a Distance"
nickols@att.net
www.nickols.us


---------------------------------
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Vote for the stars of Yahoo!'s next ad campaign!

Deborah,

Your experience sounds a lot like mine. Where I am now is searching for a place to put my energies and interests. I think I am defining what I want to be when I grow up. I also have years of experience in a variety of disciplines, and don't often get to an interview. I admire you and feel you as a kindred spirit.

Edryce

deborah nixon <deborahnixon@sympatico.ca> wrote:
Thanks for adding the generally- I should have said that because I
wouldn't want anyone to think this is a dogmatic statement. There are
some wonderful academics but are often doing untraditional work- and
sometimes suffer the arrows as a result.

It has been my experience, however, that those who try to follow a path
that doesn't parallel the typical ie Tier 1 publications and lots of
them, conference papers etc etc-often get shut out. I prefer to consult
to business and test my theories than give papers to academic
conferences. I have been shut out of a number of positions and have
been told that my competitors have stronger resumes meaning they have
published in all the right places but have no business experience-
completely undervalued in academia. I don't even make it to the first
interview despite years of teaching experience, great teaching
evaluations by peers and students, almost 30 yrs of business and
consulting experience, and an in process dissertation.

It wasn't easy to find a home for my dissertation work which I wanted to
be practical and useful to the business community. The job I was to do
was straight theory development in the most abstract sense. I couldn't
find the energy for that so finally found a place that supported my need
to make my work meaningful to those whom we teach and purport to help.
I finally did find that- but not in the business school!

So, there are pockets of inspiration- just not always where you expect
them to be!!

Deborah Nixon
University of Toronto
704 Windermere Ave
Toronto Ont M6S 3M1
Ph: 416-763-6985
Fax: 416-763-3361



-----Original Message-----
From: Management Education and Development Discussion
[mailto:MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of Edryce Reynolds
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 3:24 PM
To: MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: Re: A Confessed Regret


I agree! I have five degrees (only one doctorate, though!) and what I
have learned is how narrow the higher education community is
(generally).

Edryce

deborah nixon wrote:
Dear Fred: I concur with your view but I'm not convinced that the answer
is to run out and get the degree. I am doing such a thing after 25 years
in the private sector and I must say that having pursued the degree has
made me realize that it isn't all that mysterious or special. Often
academic institutions try to protect their own through requiring
membership in that small and exclusive club called academia. Yet many of
the people I have taught beside for years have little to no practical
experience and therefore have a significant gap in their learning.
Feedback from students over the years has always indicated that students
really value experience and the ability to transcend theory with
real-life examples of where it works- and where it doesn't.

So, be proud of what you have accomplished. It is the shortsightedness
and elitism of the academy that often freezes out those with your
experience and wisdom. I don't know that there would be a whole lot that
a Phd could teach you that you don't already know. I guess you could
learn how to read all that horribly boring academic literature- but why
would you want to do that????

Collegially

Deborah Nixon
University of Toronto
704 Windermere Ave
Toronto Ont M6S 3M1
Ph: 416-763-6985
Fax: 416-763-3361



-----Original Message-----
From: Management Education and Development Discussion
[mailto:MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of Fred Nickols
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 1:55 PM
To: MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: A Confessed Regret


Another job posting for an associate professor made its way into my
email in-box a short while ago. For some reason this one triggered more
than a cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete key. This time I sat
there, regretting my lack of educational credentials. It saddened me for
a moment to think that I have learned so much over the years that can
never be shared that way. What a waste.

I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of a college degree
(coupled with spending the first 20 years of my working career in the
Navy) has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed a fiction. True
enough, I have had a career that many with far better credentials never
achieved and that some envy. However, forever unanswered goes the
question: "What might I have accomplished had I been armed with those
credentials?" I suspect my accomplishments might have been much greater.

However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of remedying the
situation. Nor do I have any intention of wallowing in regret. I just
thought I'd share a reflection with my better educated colleagues and to
let you know I envy you the potential you enjoy and that eludes me. I
hope you come to appreciate it as much as I do.

Regards,

Fred Nickols, CPT
Distance Consulting
"Assistance at a Distance"
nickols@att.net
www.nickols.us


---------------------------------
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Vote for the stars of Yahoo!'s next ad campaign!


---------------------------------
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Yahoo! Mail - 50x more storage than other providers!

This is an entertaining thread. I taught in Germany
for a couple of years, and my office mate, a charming
59-year-old accounting professor once commented to me,
"The person most feared by the career academic is
someone with 30 years business experience who just got
a Ph.D."

--- deborah nixon <deborahnixon@sympatico.ca> wrote:
> Dear Fred: I concur with your view but I'm not
> convinced that the answer
> is to run out and get the degree. I am doing such a
> thing after 25
> years in the private sector and I must say that
> having pursued the
> degree has made me realize that it isn't all that
> mysterious or
> special. Often academic institutions try to protect
> their own through
> requiring membership in that small and exclusive
> club called academia.
> Yet many of the people I have taught beside for
> years have little to no
> practical experience and therefore have a
> significant gap in their
> learning. Feedback from students over the years has
> always indicated
> that students really value experience and the
> ability to transcend
> theory with real-life examples of where it works-
> and where it doesn't.
>
> So, be proud of what you have accomplished. It is
> the shortsightedness
> and elitism of the academy that often freezes out
> those with your
> experience and wisdom. I don't know that there would
> be a whole lot that
> a Phd could teach you that you don't already know.
> I guess you could
> learn how to read all that horribly boring academic
> literature- but why
> would you want to do that????
>
> Collegially
>
> Deborah Nixon
> University of Toronto
> 704 Windermere Ave
> Toronto Ont M6S 3M1
> Ph: 416-763-6985
> Fax: 416-763-3361
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Management Education and Development
> Discussion
> [mailto:MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of
> Fred Nickols
> Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 1:55 PM
> To: MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
> Subject: A Confessed Regret
>
>
> Another job posting for an associate professor made
> its way into my
> email in-box a short while ago. For some reason
> this one triggered more
> than a cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete
> key. This time I sat
> there, regretting my lack of educational
> credentials. It saddened me
> for a moment to think that I have learned so much
> over the years that
> can never be shared that way. What a waste.
>
> I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of
> a college degree
> (coupled with spending the first 20 years of my
> working career in the
> Navy) has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed
> a fiction. True
> enough, I have had a career that many with far
> better credentials never
> achieved and that some envy. However, forever
> unanswered goes the
> question: "What might I have accomplished had I been
> armed with those
> credentials?" I suspect my accomplishments might
> have been much
> greater.
>
> However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of
> remedying the
> situation. Nor do I have any intention of wallowing
> in regret. I just
> thought I'd share a reflection with my better
> educated colleagues and to
> let you know I envy you the potential you enjoy and
> that eludes me. I
> hope you come to appreciate it as much as I do.
>
> Regards,
>
> Fred Nickols, CPT
> Distance Consulting
> "Assistance at a Distance"
> nickols@att.net
> www.nickols.us
>

=====
Romie F. Littrell, PhD, An f�na� fi�in
Faculty of Business, Auckland University of Technology
Private Bag 1020
Auckland 1020, New Zealand
Fax (64) 9 - 917 -9629
http://www.romielittrellpubs.homestead.com/
http://www.crossculturalcentre.homestead.com/





___________________________________________________________ALL-NEW Yahoo! Messenger - sooooo many all-new ways to express yourself http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

I obtained an MBA after years of working and managing. I did not expect much, just wanted it as a kind of validation for claiming to be an organizational development trainer. That worked pretty well, and some of the courses were interesting, but I have to confess that I did not learn anything new, and some of it seemed irrelevant. Having been through five processes (degrees) by that time, I was not disillusioned, just amused. I am glad the MBA is now being questioned, and maybe some of us can have a part in the changes.

Edryce

Romie Littrell <littrellaom@yahoo.co.nz> wrote:
This is an entertaining thread. I taught in Germany
for a couple of years, and my office mate, a charming
59-year-old accounting professor once commented to me,
"The person most feared by the career academic is
someone with 30 years business experience who just got
a Ph.D."

--- deborah nixon wrote:
> Dear Fred: I concur with your view but I'm not
> convinced that the answer
> is to run out and get the degree. I am doing such a
> thing after 25
> years in the private sector and I must say that
> having pursued the
> degree has made me realize that it isn't all that
> mysterious or
> special. Often academic institutions try to protect
> their own through
> requiring membership in that small and exclusive
> club called academia.
> Yet many of the people I have taught beside for
> years have little to no
> practical experience and therefore have a
> significant gap in their
> learning. Feedback from students over the years has
> always indicated
> that students really value experience and the
> ability to transcend
> theory with real-life examples of where it works-
> and where it doesn't.
>
> So, be proud of what you have accomplished. It is
> the shortsightedness
> and elitism of the academy that often freezes out
> those with your
> experience and wisdom. I don't know that there would
> be a whole lot that
> a Phd could teach you that you don't already know.
> I guess you could
> learn how to read all that horribly boring academic
> literature- but why
> would you want to do that????
>
> Collegially
>
> Deborah Nixon
> University of Toronto
> 704 Windermere Ave
> Toronto Ont M6S 3M1
> Ph: 416-763-6985
> Fax: 416-763-3361
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Management Education and Development
> Discussion
> [mailto:MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of
> Fred Nickols
> Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 1:55 PM
> To: MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
> Subject: A Confessed Regret
>
>
> Another job posting for an associate professor made
> its way into my
> email in-box a short while ago. For some reason
> this one triggered more
> than a cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete
> key. This time I sat
> there, regretting my lack of educational
> credentials. It saddened me
> for a moment to think that I have learned so much
> over the years that
> can never be shared that way. What a waste.
>
> I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of
> a college degree
> (coupled with spending the first 20 years of my
> working career in the
> Navy) has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed
> a fiction. True
> enough, I have had a career that many with far
> better credentials never
> achieved and that some envy. However, forever
> unanswered goes the
> question: "What might I have accomplished had I been
> armed with those
> credentials?" I suspect my accomplishments might
> have been much
> greater.
>
> However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of
> remedying the
> situation. Nor do I have any intention of wallowing
> in regret. I just
> thought I'd share a reflection with my better
> educated colleagues and to
> let you know I envy you the potential you enjoy and
> that eludes me. I
> hope you come to appreciate it as much as I do.
>
> Regards,
>
> Fred Nickols, CPT
> Distance Consulting
> "Assistance at a Distance"
> nickols@att.net
> www.nickols.us
>

=====
Romie F. Littrell, PhD, An f???na??? fi???in
Faculty of Business, Auckland University of Technology
Private Bag 1020
Auckland 1020, New Zealand
Fax (64) 9 - 917 -9629
http://www.romielittrellpubs.homestead.com/
http://www.crossculturalcentre.homestead.com/





___________________________________________________________ALL-NEW Yahoo! Messenger - sooooo many all-new ways to express yourself http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com


---------------------------------
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Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses.

From: hamid etemad [mailto:hamid.etemad@mcgill.ca]

Dear Fred:

Your open note struck a deep note with me.
I do not think it is too late for you to "add another feather to your cap".
Educational institutions should love to have the depth of your experience in
their midst, even while you are acquiring the Ph.D. and thus removing your
"regret".

Naturally, I second Ralph Hanke's suggestion.

Kind Regards,
Hamid Etemad

-----Original Message-----
From: Management Education and Development Discussion
[mailto:MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of Ralph Hanke
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 2:13 PM
To: MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: Re: A Confessed Regret


Dear Fred,

Perhaps now is the time for you to do graduate work and share your hard
earned knowledge through some thoughtful writings. Given your age and, I
presume, financial security, you don't have to rush through the process.
Yet, it seems to me you could write a hell of a dissertation and some
interesting articles.

Respectfully,

Ralph



On Jul 20, 2004, at 1:54 PM, Fred Nickols wrote:

> Another job posting for an associate professor made its way into my
> email in-box a short while ago. For some reason this one triggered
> more than a
> cursory scan and a quick trip to the delete key. This time I sat
> there,
> regretting my lack of educational credentials. It saddened me for a
> moment
> to think that I have learned so much over the years that can never be
> shared
> that way. What a waste.
>
> I have often maintained the fiction that the lack of a college degree
> (coupled with spending the first 20 years of my working career in the
> Navy)
> has never been a hindrance. But it is indeed a fiction. True enough,
> I have had a career that many with far better credentials never
> achieved and
> that some envy. However, forever unanswered goes the question: "What
> might
> I have accomplished had I been armed with those credentials?" I
> suspect my
> accomplishments might have been much greater.
>
> However, at 66 years of age, I have no intention of remedying the
> situation. Nor do I have any intention of wallowing in regret. I just
> thought I'd share a reflection with my better educated colleagues and
> to let you know I
> envy you the potential you enjoy and that eludes me. I hope you come
> to
> appreciate it as much as I do.
>
> Regards,
>
> Fred Nickols, CPT
> Distance Consulting
> "Assistance at a Distance"
> nickols@att.net
> www.nickols.us
>

From: R Ramamurthy [mailto:rramxx@vsnl.com]

Edryce,

I can call myself more "senior" at the present age of 69. I also have a
regret similar to yours but I overcome it by doing something which is under
my control and still fulfils the desire to usefully utilise the expertise
acquired over the years. My interest is in TQM and also writing. I use them
both by publishing a fortnightly newsletter for the use of working
executives interested in advances in TQM and I price it at only such a level
that I do not go out of pocket. I also provide occasional free-lance
consultancy in TQM, ISO 9000, ISO 14000 and HACCP so that I keep myself
active. I continue to attend training sessions on the subjects, the latest
was just two weeks back on Business Excellence Award, based on EQA and
MBNQA.

The case of my elder brother may be of interest too. At the age of 68 and
after retiring as the Chairman & Managing Director of a group of Collieries
producing about 20% of India's coal output, he attended classes (with his
hearing aid firmly in place) to qualify in BCA (Bachelor of Computer
Applications). After completing it in about 3 years, he went on to do a
course in Oracle.

I guess we have keep our interest alive by whatever innovative method we can
devise.

R.Ramamurthy
Banglaore, India

----- Original Message -----
From: "Edryce Reynolds" <edryce@yahoo.com>
> My right place would be an institution (which could be anywhere
geographically) which would be willing to put me on as an instructor while I
defined several research projects. Never have I been in such a role, so I am
unskilled at seeking it. I have never functioned in an ongoing "academic"
environment, never held the "professor" title, and it's not customary for
someone to begin a life of research this late. (Okay, I'm almost saying
it - "senior")

I admire all of you "seniors" (sorry Edryce-can you give me something
that identifies your unique age without insulting you. Middle age makes
me cringe- but I have to accept the chronological truth). You are
active, vibrant, contributing and have a genuine love of learning. I
hope that I still have your energy at that age.

There are many places to share your wealth of experience- and WISDOM.
Wisdom lacks in academe and yet those of you who have written have that
in spades. I think that is much more valuable than the multitudes of
theories one can cite. Most theory is pretty boring anyway- and usually
feels really disconnected from the 'outside' world without the wisdom of
experience and years of living to go with it.

Hats off to all of you!

Collegially

Deborah Nixon
University of Toronto
704 Windermere Ave
Toronto Ont M6S 3M1
Ph: 416-763-6985
Fax: 416-763-3361



-----Original Message-----
From: Management Education and Development Discussion
[mailto:MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of Charles Wankel
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 6:11 AM
To: MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: Re: A Confessed Regret


From: R Ramamurthy [mailto:rramxx@vsnl.com]

Edryce,

I can call myself more "senior" at the present age of 69. I also have a
regret similar to yours but I overcome it by doing something which is
under my control and still fulfils the desire to usefully utilise the
expertise acquired over the years. My interest is in TQM and also
writing. I use them both by publishing a fortnightly newsletter for the
use of working executives interested in advances in TQM and I price it
at only such a level that I do not go out of pocket. I also provide
occasional free-lance consultancy in TQM, ISO 9000, ISO 14000 and HACCP
so that I keep myself active. I continue to attend training sessions on
the subjects, the latest was just two weeks back on Business Excellence
Award, based on EQA and MBNQA.

The case of my elder brother may be of interest too. At the age of 68
and after retiring as the Chairman & Managing Director of a group of
Collieries producing about 20% of India's coal output, he attended
classes (with his hearing aid firmly in place) to qualify in BCA
(Bachelor of Computer Applications). After completing it in about 3
years, he went on to do a course in Oracle.

I guess we have keep our interest alive by whatever innovative method we
can devise.

R.Ramamurthy
Banglaore, India

----- Original Message -----
From: "Edryce Reynolds" <edryce@yahoo.com>
> My right place would be an institution (which could be anywhere
geographically) which would be willing to put me on as an instructor
while I defined several research projects. Never have I been in such a
role, so I am unskilled at seeking it. I have never functioned in an
ongoing "academic" environment, never held the "professor" title, and
it's not customary for someone to begin a life of research this late.
(Okay, I'm almost saying it - "senior")

Deborah,

You are very kind, and I know it's inconvenient for someone not to like the label of "senior" or "middle age," which I also dislike. I believe that we should stop categorizing one another on age (among other characteristics), because it really (especially in today's world) is irrelevant. Some quite young people have had more experience than those much older than they - yet that experience is often not considered adequately because of the chronological age. I remember the story about someone having one year of experience over and over for their entire working life, and someone else who could get a lifetime of experience in one year. That is my objection; I do not object to being the age that I am - that is not it. I object to the way we profile one another. My guidance is that if I want something to change, I start by doing it myself.

As for "wisdom," I also dislike the assumption (you did not make this assumption) that because someone has lived a certain number of years, they automatically have "wisdom." I have taught very young people who have quite a bit of unrecognized wisdom. This is all part of what I want to change.

It is amazing how a personality comes through these words on a screen. You come across to me as a vibrant, intelligent person with a lot to offer the world. I hope the world is appreciating you!

Edryce

deborah nixon <deborahnixon@sympatico.ca> wrote:
I admire all of you "seniors" (sorry Edryce-can you give me something
that identifies your unique age without insulting you. Middle age makes
me cringe- but I have to accept the chronological truth). You are
active, vibrant, contributing and have a genuine love of learning. I
hope that I still have your energy at that age.

There are many places to share your wealth of experience- and WISDOM.
Wisdom lacks in academe and yet those of you who have written have that
in spades. I think that is much more valuable than the multitudes of
theories one can cite. Most theory is pretty boring anyway- and usually
feels really disconnected from the 'outside' world without the wisdom of
experience and years of living to go with it.

Hats off to all of you!

Collegially

Deborah Nixon
University of Toronto
704 Windermere Ave
Toronto Ont M6S 3M1
Ph: 416-763-6985
Fax: 416-763-3361



-----Original Message-----
From: Management Education and Development Discussion
[mailto:MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of Charles Wankel
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 6:11 AM
To: MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: Re: A Confessed Regret


From: R Ramamurthy [mailto:rramxx@vsnl.com]

Edryce,

I can call myself more "senior" at the present age of 69. I also have a
regret similar to yours but I overcome it by doing something which is
under my control and still fulfils the desire to usefully utilise the
expertise acquired over the years. My interest is in TQM and also
writing. I use them both by publishing a fortnightly newsletter for the
use of working executives interested in advances in TQM and I price it
at only such a level that I do not go out of pocket. I also provide
occasional free-lance consultancy in TQM, ISO 9000, ISO 14000 and HACCP
so that I keep myself active. I continue to attend training sessions on
the subjects, the latest was just two weeks back on Business Excellence
Award, based on EQA and MBNQA.

The case of my elder brother may be of interest too. At the age of 68
and after retiring as the Chairman & Managing Director of a group of
Collieries producing about 20% of India's coal output, he attended
classes (with his hearing aid firmly in place) to qualify in BCA
(Bachelor of Computer Applications). After completing it in about 3
years, he went on to do a course in Oracle.

I guess we have keep our interest alive by whatever innovative method we
can devise.

R.Ramamurthy
Banglaore, India

----- Original Message -----
From: "Edryce Reynolds"
> My right place would be an institution (which could be anywhere
geographically) which would be willing to put me on as an instructor
while I defined several research projects. Never have I been in such a
role, so I am unskilled at seeking it. I have never functioned in an
ongoing "academic" environment, never held the "professor" title, and
it's not customary for someone to begin a life of research this late.
(Okay, I'm almost saying it - "senior")


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