The Quest for Meaning and Wholeness: Spiritual and Religious Connections in the Lives of College Faculty

An insightful, scholarly resource for dialogue about the symbiotic relationship between the life of the mind and the life of the heart of faculty, and what faculty can do to provide students an education that focuses on meaning and purpose. Larry A. Braskamp , professor emeritus, Loyola University Chicago Among the strengths of this book are Lindholms solid research design and data analysis, deft integration of quantitative and qualitative data in presentation of findings and interpretation, and clear writing. Dr. Lindholm makes an important contribution both to higher education literature on faculty, and to religious studies literature, on this dimension of religion and spirituality in colleges and universities. Michael D. Waggoner , professor, University of Northern Iowa; editor, Religion & Education No one understands more thoroughly the roles that spirituality and religion play in higher education today than Jennifer Lindholm, who has spent more than a decade documenting their impact. The Quest for Meaning and Wholeness adds greatly to her earlier findings of how college can enhance the spiritual lives of students. Gary Luhr , executive director, Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities Based on both quantitative and qualitative data, Lindholms thoughtful, well–written book opens new ground, addressing a largely ignored topic in the research on faculty lives and workspirituality, religion, and meaning in academic life. Institutional leaders, faculty members, and students will benefit from the fresh perspectives, careful definitions, issues, and questions discussed in this book. Ann E. Austin , professor of higher, adult, and lifelong education, Michigan State University; coauthor of Rethinking Faculty Work: Higher Educations Strategic Imperative At last, a book for faculty about faculty on an important, but long–neglected, topic. Jennifer Lindholm provides a cogent, readable analysis of how faculty view spirituality and religion not only in their own lives, but also their role in higher education. Peter C. Hill , Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University

About the Author vi Foreword vii Preface xiii Acknowledgments xix 1 Spirituality and Higher Education 1 2 The Meaningfulness of Spirituality and Religion in Faculty Members’ Lives 25 3 Spiritual Quest 68 4 Ethic of Caring, Ecumenical Worldview, and Charitable Involvement 85 5 Religious Faith and Perspectives 123 6 Equanimity 158 7 Higher Education and the Life of the Faculty Spirit 200 Epilogue 215 Appendix: Study Methodology 219 References 229 Subject Index 248 Name Index 256

Jennifer A. Lindholm is assistant vice provost in the division of undergraduate education at the University of California, Los Angeles. In that role, she is responsible for coordinating campus initiatives that focus on enhancing undergraduate teaching and learning, addressing accreditation–related considerations, and facilitating student success. She has authored more than sixty scholarly articles, book chapters, monographs, and research reports.