Five on Friday

Featuring Craig Bishop, director of public safety

1. One of your biggest roles has been to "link" Olivet and the Kankakee County community. Why is collaboration between the two important to your work?
Clearly, the University is a positive part of Kankakee County and all faculty and staff are to be credited with adding value to that relationship. I am honored to have daily relationships with the countywide emergency services community. These relationships prove most valuable as they become collaborative and advance to synergistic.

Shared values and trust are sought on a daily basis so that efforts in an emergency situation are not as reactive. The University has properly communicated appreciation to the emergency services for their preparedness to serve the University; the University has also proven supportive of the emergency services by allowing University resources in emergency situations. The collaborative relationships allow us all to be proactive.

2. Your job has the potential to become very stressful. What sorts of things do you do to wind down?
I very much enjoy working with landscaping, mowing the lawn and all the while listening to music! Reading is relaxing as well as sharing conversation with my wife, family and friends.

3. You will start the Ed.D in Ethical Leadership in May. Why are you interested in this doctoral program?
I am humbled and thrilled to have been accepted into Cohort IV of the Ed.D in Ethical Leadership program. I am a believer in life-long learning and have a strong passion for leadership. My master's degree is in organizational leadership, which only serves to provide more motivation. It seems likely that I will be applying study and research into leadership and collaboration within emergency management. It will prove helpful to my profession and the University. Besides, my wife told me I should get the doctorate!


4. You're about to celebrate your 25th wedding anniversary - congratulations! What's one secret to a happy marriage?
Thank you! The secret to a happy and successful marriage relationship is having a healthy relationship with Christ. Specifically, if a person is humble and surrendered in their relationship with Christ, then they can be selfless enough to actively love another person. Marriage requires caring so deeply about your best friend that you listen emphatically and seek to understand their most intimate need. I thank God daily for my wife and best friend, Joan! Life is great together and we are further blessed to have two wonderful sons, Daniel and Michael.

5. Any Easter traditions or events you're looking forward to celebrating with your family?
We used to celebrate by surprising Dan and Mike with Easter baskets filled with chocolate and a really cool Disney video tape! Things change! VCR tapes change to DVD format. Little boys grow into men! I hope we can be together as a family and share a meal while reflecting on the fact that we have a Savior that has risen!