As some of you may know, Mike and I are currently deciding where to live in the fall. Right now Mike has two job offers, and we don't know which one to take. One offer is at the University of Central Oklahoma, in Edmond, OK and the other is at Bradley University in Peoria, IL. Both schools have good things and bad things going for them, the obvious one being location. I have not been to either city, so I can only go by what Mike has to say about the area. I immediately want to be at Bradley since it is A LOT closer to family. After reading information about Edmond, there are some really good things about this choice, such as the crime rate is really low, the school system that Kaitlyn would be attending is in the top 100 schools in the nation, and Mike is almost guaranteed to get tenured after 5 years. At Bradley, Mike said that not every professor is guaranteed tenure because it depends on how much what what you have published. In addition to that, it takes about 7 years before you are tenured. Peoria also has mainly an older faculty, so Mike would get seniority (if tenured) pretty quickly since most of the faculty will be retiring within the next 10 years. He would then have an impact on the hiring process for future faculty.
Mike also really likes the fact that UCO has a masters program in mathematics, which will allow him to teach some upper level courses. This is one thing that Bradley does not have. These are just a few things that are weighing our decision. There is definitely a lot to think about in making this decision. We continue to pray that God will guide us with this decision. We want to do what is best for our family.
3 comments:
Hey guys! I'm glad you're starting this blog. All of this personal site activity has made Krista and I really consider starting one, too.
We'll be praying for you guys in your decision about the move. Even though it's a tough decision, I guess you can be glad that you do indeed have two places that really want you there. :)
Kaitlyn looks like she's getting bigger every day! Hope things are going well for the three of you and that you're starting to get some sleep at night!
Love,
Stephen & Krista
Hey Kim and Mike! Thank you for the update! You've got lots of life changes going on and big decisions to make. The Lord has his hand on you and will guide your steps. It's wonderful that Mike has two good offers, and it sounds like either one will offer some great benefits to your family.
So how is Kaitlyn?? She looks beautiful -- you all make such a photogenic family! We'd LOVE to see more pictures if you have them. Is she growing? Sleeping through the night? Who does she resemble?
We miss you and can't wait to see both of you and Kaitlyn. We look forward to reading more of your blogs!
Love,
Brenda and Andrew
Hi Mike and Kim, Thanks for the invitation to the blog! It's really cool to read updates and see pictures. :) Since Tim and I are out of the technology loop, I'm afraid people won't get to see our baby till s/he's a year old, or when they meet him/her in person! :}
We are praying for you guys as you face this big decision about where to move. Keep us posted! We know God will direct you as you continue to seek Him.
By the way, it will be fun to meet Kaitlyn in person someday! She's very, very cute!
Love, Tim and Amy
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