Today, the WGS Program remembers the life of Dr. Jonathan Hagood. We honor Jonathan today with personal reflections, believing these moments of remembrance are one more way to honor a man who gave much to many people.
“When I think of Jonathan I remember the numerous faith-exploration initiatives he led—Continuum scholars, the summer Faith and Scholarship Series, and the Brown Bag Pedagogy Series. I am thankful for the intentional spaces he created that allowed me to explore multifaceted ways to integrate faith and work. We might have not always agreed, but I knew that my opinion was not going to be dismissed or seen as inconsequential. I appreciated that. And oh, I will really miss him handing out Faculty Bingo at graduation! That always made me laugh!”
~Dr. Marissa J. Doshi, Communication and WGS
“I don’t have one specific story to share about Jonathan, but rather it was his continued demeanor and presence that allowed me to feel at home here at Hope College. Jonathan was perhaps one of the first colleagues I met on my arrival, and his casual and friendly way made my transition to Hope that much easier. He would continually remind me during the past years that simple things like flip-flops and a fedora (though generally not seen as “academic attire”) were both perfectly acceptable and justifiable as “workplace apparel.” He gave me permission to “be me,” which ultimately empowered me to be the professor I am today. He never threw a questioning eye towards the way I dressed or spoke, and that was perhaps one of the greatest gifts he gave (and continues to give) me. He will be missed deeply!”
~Prof. Matt Farmer, Dance and WGS
“When I joined Hope College in 2015, Dr. Jonathan Hagood was one of the first faculty members to contact me. He invited me to join a group of my new colleagues for dinner once a month as part of the Senior Seminar program, which he directed. He later invited me to coffee to talk about the monthly luncheons he hosted (with Dr. Andy McCoy) regarding faithful teaching at Hope College. He then invited me to join a summer discussion group focused on Christ-Centered Liberal Arts Education. He then invited me to present my research (focused on character formation and media) at a Senior Seminar dinner. He then invited me to participate in the Faith & Scholarship summer seminar that he directed (again, with Dr. Andy McCoy). He then invited me to participate in leading prayer as part of the Pre-College Conference. He then invited me to apply for the position of Director of Global Learning—a key component of Hope’s General Education Program. We met recently to discuss Global Learning, and he asked me how he could support my development—what I would like to learn more about as I direct this program.
My experience at Hope College has been profoundly shaped by Jonathan’s invitations. Invitations to join a community, to think deeply about our faith and teaching, to extend my vocation in new ways (with support!). I am deeply grateful for his invitations. His invitations not only drew me deeper into the life of Hope College and my own faith and teaching but also modeled a beautiful, invitational leadership style. Jonathan welcomed me into our work over and over again.”
~Dr. Sarah J. Kornfield, Communication and WGS
“Jonathan reminded me that I had something important to say. One moment in particular sticks out to me, and I have returned to it in the days since his passing. I was preparing my 3rd-year review notebook, and he and I were in my office chatting. He asked how I felt about it, and I told him ‘no one wants to read this. I think I’m doing way too much.’ He responded, ‘trust me, someone is going to want to read what you have to say. You have something important to say, something important offer. So write it. Say it.’ His words stuck with me. He wasn’t simply referring to my 3rd-year review narrative; he gestured toward whiteboard that tracked my publications under review and in progress. Honestly, his encouragement and attention to detail were shocking. I didn’t expect a tenured professor outside my home department to care about my work–especially when no one was around to witness his act of kindness. It was then that I knew Jonathan wasn’t doing what he did for an audience or for recognition. Instead, his words were a testament to his character, to his embodiment of what Hope aspires to be–a caring community. I always respected him for that. His presence, his words of encouragement, his caring are already missed.”
~Dr. Kendra R. Parker, English and WGS