Some compare Tom Ruscica to Sir Henry Simmerson from Bernard Cornwell’s fictional series on the exploits of an ordinary fighting man named Richard Sharpe during the Napoleonic Wars.
Sharpe was an impoverished Londoner who slowly rises through the ranks by courage, skill, and luck whereas Henry Simmerson purchases his commission in an era when wealthly men could purchase officer ranks. He attained commmand through money and connections rather than merit or battlefield experience.
He was vain and arrogant and cared more about appearances, prestige, and his reputation than the welfare of his men. His obsession with being addressed properly and maintaining his status repeatedly impaired his judgment.
Even worse, he lacked courage. When confronted with actual combat, he panics in the worst way possible. In Sharpe’s Eagle, he abandons the field while others remain under fire.
Good commanders adapt and listen to experienced subordinates. Simmerson ignored advice from officers like Sharpe and persisted in poor decisions.
He valued loyalty over competence. He promoted and protected sycophants while punishing capable officers who threatened his authority.
At the Battle of Talavera with the French advancing in column, Simmerson loses his nerve and rides away from the battlefield, abandoning his men while Sharpe and the South Essex stand and fight. The scene is memorable because Simmerson is a pompous, incompetent coward whose flight contrasts sharply with Sharpe’s courage.
There are unfounded rumors that I am about to abandon William Jessup University in its time of need for strong leadership. I’ll be the first to admit that the Jessup’s music program has tanked under my governance, so what is the draw of going somewhere else?
It is an amazing opportunity to reboot my stagnant career. Yes, I know that makes me look like that buffoon Simmerson, but self-preservation is more important and Mama always said I was not a fool. Sigh…if only she could see me now.
I might or might not have received an offer to teach at Colorado Christian University. They offer everything that Jessup does, but the most important part, they said that I will receive a much larger budget.
So perhaps the comparison to Sir Henry Simmerson is not entirely without merit. After all, a man must know when to stand and fight and when to find a horse and ride in the opposite direction while insisting that it was all part of the plan.
Should I depart for greener pastures beneath the Rocky Mountains, I will undoubtedly assure everyone that my decision was born of prayerful consideration, a calling from the Lord, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Conveniently, those callings seem to arrive whenever larger budgets, nicer facilities, and more prestigious opportunities present themselves.
And if Colorado Christian University should come calling, who am I to deny providence? Simmerson had Talavera. I have faculty meetings and budget spreadsheets. He fled the French; I merely flee declining enrollment and annual reports.
History may not remember me as a great leader, but perhaps it will remember me as a practical one. Besides, if I have learned anything over the years, it is this: when the ship begins taking on water, it is always prudent to secure a seat in the lifeboat before telling everyone else to remain calm.
After all, I hear Colorado has an excellent music program.