By Mike Zahare, NNU Board of Trustees Chair
Had I known that one of my NNC intramural basketball opponents would one day be the 13th President of NNU, I may have gone easier on him on the hardwood, with an emphasis on the word “may.” That opponent, Joel Pearsall, not only became NNU’s president, but, along with his remarkable spouse, Nikki, has served NNU with distinction for over 25 years in multiple roles and in so many positive ways.
When Nikki, Joel and I attended NNC, Joel’s father Dr. Kenneth Pearsall was NNC’s president. While recently on campus, I observed a photo of Dr. Pearsall, and could still hear his booming voice reciting NNC’s motto, “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God…” As I reflect on Nikki and Joel’s NNU service, I praise God that while they have earnestly sought God’s Kingdom and Righteousness, God has poured his richest blessings on them and their Kingdom work at NNU and beyond. Nikki and Joel’s seeking of God’s Kingdom is also beautifully reflected in the way they lead.
Robert Greenleaf, the founder of the modern “movement” of “Servant Leadership” states, “The servant-leader is servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. The person is sharply different from one who is leader first. The leader-first and the servant-first are two extreme types.”
Greenleaf ’s “Servant Leadership” philosophy is exemplified in scripture. Examples are Christ’s servanthood and command that leaders should be like servants. The Apostle Paul also modeled “Servant Leadership.”
As we celebrate Nikki and Joel, we appropriately honor them for their stellar achievements and dedicated and tireless efforts. However, the essence of their leadership is revealed in four cardboard coasters I proudly display at my home in Anchorage, and which were brilliantly created by an NNU employee (and made without the knowledge of our President and First Lady). One of the coasters is of Joel. The second coaster depicts pancakes which Joel serves at NNU’s Homecoming. The third coaster is of Nikki that goes with the fourth and final coaster displaying cookies, which year after year Nikki bakes and gives to students. These four coasters remind me how this godly couple leads with servant hearts and out of love for God and those they serve on, and off, campus.
In Tommy Spaulding’s book, “The Gift of Influence,” he highlights that “the average person will influence eighty thousand people in their lives, positively or negatively.” Spaulding then offers a life-changing perspective on how these eighty thousand people will remember how “you inspired them to become better human beings. They’ll remember the times when you loved and served them…[and] authentically invested in them.”
Spaulding’s perspective was affirmed when I recently interviewed students on campus asking them what they will most remember and miss about Nikki and Joel. Topping the list were Nikki’s pies and cookies with notes telling recipients they are in Nikki’s prayers. Joel’s golf-cart rides were also high on the list. Students appreciate Joel and Nikki’s enthusiastic involvement in student and other campus activities. One student especially liked what I would characterize as the positive reinforcement and instruction our President offers to referees during sporting events.
I also heard from students that Nikki and Joel are “willing to serve and not just attend events. They put their students’ needs above their needs.” Another student said, “Nikki and Joel roll up their sleeves and work.” This student observed Nikki helping first-year students move into their dorms and said, “she was doing all the work.” (I’m sure Joel was at another dorm doing heavy lifting or giving rides in his NNU golf cart.)
Students also shared how Nikki and Joel lead like Christ as they love, support, interact with and pray and care for students. One student said they “make students feel known and cared for.” In describing our First Couple, I also heard comments like “great sense of humor,” “infectious smile,” “accessible,” “nice and sweet [I think this one belongs to Nikki],” “one-on-one contact,” “personable,” “friendly” and “talks to everyone.”
These student statements are also being echoed by NNU’s staff, faculty and members of other NNU constituency groups. Joel and Nikki’s Christ-like qualities are not only being observed but are also positively impacting the lives of those who are privileged to cross their paths.
As a Board of Trustee member for the last twenty years, including my term as Board Chair, I have had a bird’s eye view of Nikki and Joel’s loving service to our students, staff, faculty, other important constituency groups and most importantly to their Lord and Savior. My memories of their service will mirror those being shared on and off campus, and those based on my personal observations, including:
- Pride in, and positive and genuine concern for, our students, staff and faculty
- Commitment to “Shared Governance”
- Nikki’s love and care for Trustee Spouses
- Promotion of on- and off-campus environments of trust and “Charitable Discourse”
- Nazarene District Assembly attendance and engagement
- Participation and relationship building at Nazarene District Pastors’ and Spouses’ Retreats
- Close personal relationship and involvement with Foundation Board members
- Exceptional Board of Trustee work and support
- Earnest prayer and seeking of God’s wisdom and guidance
- Decisions and strategic plans and tactics based on NNU’s Mission Statement
- Love, support and valuable assistance for, and to, my lovely spouse and me as Board Chair
As I have been thinking about the last example, and while writing this article, I took the opportunity to scan my texts with Joel since I became Board Chair. Amidst all the NNU business, I focused on the texts relating to prayer, gratitude, support, wise counsel, NNU sporting events, our getting-healthy challenge, everything relating to our families, multiple attempts at humor, sports-team banter and love of NNU. I hope the non-business texts will continue well after Joel sails off into the sunset.
On another personal note, Joel and Nikki have been my “Servant Leader” role models. Both not only pray for and offer words of encouragement to me in my leadership role but are also actively engaged in Board work and activities at levels only known to me, and Joel’s and my remarkable assistant, Michelle Kuykendall. It has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my life to serve alongside this inspirational and Christ-like couple.
I thank God for sending Nikki and Joel to NNU for this season of service and accomplishment. As we celebrate them on and at various occasions and events, we also excitedly look forward to the election and arrival of our 14th President and the marvelous ways God will continue to bless and guide our University as it continues to fulfill its world-changing mission. It would not feel right to pass on this opportunity to proudly proclaim NNU’s Mission Statement:
“The mission of Northwest Nazarene University is the transformation of the whole person. Centered in Jesus Christ, the NNU education instills habits of heart, soul, mind and strength to enable each student to become God’s creative and redemptive agent in the world.”
The entire NNU community is profoundly grateful to Nikki and Joel for who they are and all they have done for NNU. We pray God’s richest blessings on them and their family as they end their time of service at NNU and venture out into new and exciting ministries and opportunities.
Thank you for the cookies and pancakes!!
Mike Zahare
NNU Board of Trustees Chair
