Dennis Green, former NFL head football coach for the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals is often remembered for a famous rant after a tough loss to the Chicago Bears:
The Bears are what we thought they were. They’re what we thought they were. We played them in preseason — who the hell takes a third game of the preseason like it’s bullshit? Bullshit! We played them in the third game — everybody played three quarters — the Bears are who we thought they were! That’s why we took the damn field. Now if you want to crown them, then crown their ass! But they are who we thought they were! And we let ’em off the hook!
Is our college what we say it is? Do we really believe the things we say about ourselves? After taking a look at our college’s mission and values statements, our college’s strategic plan, and some of the “branding” found in our promotional materials and web site, here are some of our defining characteristics:
- innovation/innovative
- able to work in global economy
- integrated curriculum
- high job placement
- academic rigor
- effectiveness in groups
- strong internships
- prepare citizens
- develop leaders
Are we who we say we are? In my opinion, the words we use to describe ourselves need to be fully vetted by the faculty and external stakeholders. Who are we? Who do we aspire to be? The words we use to describe ourselves are very important.
– from the pen of Dr. Percy Trappe
The Academic Anchor 
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