TENURE

He's got it!

Josh took his job at Vanderbilt six years ago, and even back then, I distinctly remember him worrying about the number of publications, level of grants, and other hoops he'd have to jump through in order to make it to tenure. He's a driven physician researcher and a really great family man, so it never warped his priorities, but it was always in the background -- a standard he would have to meet or leave.

By God's abundant grace -- and I don't use that lightly -- he is doing the right work at the right moment in the right place for the right people. We CHERISH the opportunities and environment he has been given. It is such a joy to see him flourish, even as I'm confident he would be strong in adversity if needed.

But we're really glad that wasn't called for this spring, when his application for tenure was reviewed. It was approved in April, and we've pretty much been celebrating since...

An impromptu celebration

An excuse to visit The Cheesecake Factory and eat (non-cheese)cake

The sad and only little pictures I took of the big "He's Got Tenure" Open House, with 106 of his closest coworkers giving him a pat on the back. 

With all the partying, there is one very natural and common question that arises: What does tenure mean exactly? It's a good one, so here's the 411 from my layperson's perspective...

What is "tenure"?
Theoretically, it means you've reached sufficient achievement in your position that the institution is agreeing to keep you till you retire, freeing you up to do more exciting, interesting, or substandard work. In his case, it does allow him to focus more on mentoring and helping to build others on his team.

Is all tenure created equal?
Not by a long shot. It's different at each institution and even within the institution based on the kind of faculty job you've chosen and the department.

Does it mean he can't be fired?
Sort-of. They're not likely to fire him, but if he were to lose grant funding, they could take away his salary and office space, leaving him with a nice little title...

Does this mean he'll stay at Vanderbilt forever and ever?
I hope so! But sadly, there are no guarantees. Another (evil) institution could match it in a dastardly attempt to lure him away...

So what's the big deal?
Tenure was an important--maybe necessary--step for Josh to accomplish what he thinks God may have for him to do. Without it, he would have had to find a different path. With it, he is propelled forward on the path before him. We're just praying it's the right one!