Feel the Teal: Thankful to be Teal
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we should take the time to reflect on and be appreciative of what we have … family, friends and all the other blessings in our lives. More often than not, however, we forget to pause and think about the many blessings we have to be grateful for insofar as our careers. Coastal Carolina University provides our means of support, offers opportunities for growth -- professionally, culturally, physically and socially -- and encourages, acknowledges and applauds employee success. Let’s take time this holiday season to recognize the benefits we enjoy as members of the Coastal Carolina community and to express our feelings of good fortune both to those with whom we work and to others.
A 2013 survey of 2,000 Americans conducted by the John Templeton Foundation showed that most people reported feeling better when they expressed thanks to someone at work, yet surprisingly, only a small number actually thanked someone regularly. Showing appreciation and valuing people is a pivotal part of the Feel the Teal initiative. Feelings of being appreciated go a long way toward creating and maintaining a culture of thankfulness at all levels. We all need to remember to let others know we are grateful for their efforts, not only during the month of Thanksgiving, but throughout the year.
In acknowledgement of this fact, I would like to express my thankfulness….
….for our faculty, who challenge and inspire our students;
….for our staff, who provide the foundation upon which this University rests;
….for our students, who make each day special on our campus;
….for our alumni who give generously of their time, talents and treasures; and
… for our supportive Board of Trustees, whose members embrace and promote our strategic direction.
Finally, I am thankful to be a part of this University!
Together, we equal so much more than the sum of our parts. When we share our commitment to excellent customer service across the board -- when dealing with our students, their families, each other and all other campus constituents -- success is a guaranteed outcome. In most cases, our interactions are mutually respectful and providing assistance is easy. When we have the opportunity to help those customers who present a challenge, however, we have the chance to excel and to demonstrate our dedication to making each and every customer Feel the Teal.
This institution is like no other, and I credit that to our steadfast commitment to service excellence and student success.
I wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
David A. DeCenzo, Ph.D.
President
