The Value of Each

September 25, 2025

When I first arrived here at Xavier from Brigham Young University to join the Computer Science department, I'll admit I was skeptical. Throughout my interview process, I learned about the Jesuit values and how these shape how the faculty at Xavier educate their students. I kept hearing how faculty and staff truly cared about their students and prioritize their success above all else. In my undergraduate studies at a large state school, my first two years of courses were dominated by "weed-out" classes designed to filter students rather than support them. I’ll admit this tainted my perception of higher education.
 
As a first-generation college student who wasn't raised in the Catholic tradition, I approached the recent new-hire Manresa retreat as an outsider looking in. I thought I'd finally discover at Manresa that all this talk about caring was just that—talk. Instead, I was completely wrong, and I've never been happier to be mistaken. The retreat wasn't just inspiring; it was revelatory. During our discussion of Xavier's mission statement, one phrase stood out: "Our mission is to educate each student intellectually, morally, and spiritually." The emphasis on "each" hit me powerfully. It's not enough to educate most students or the "best" students—it's our obligation to reach all of them. This stood in stark contrast to my undergraduate experience, where struggling students were often seen as obstacles rather than individuals deserving additional support.
 
What moved me most were the conversations with colleagues about how they actively incorporate Jesuit values into their teaching pedagogy. I found myself surrounded by faculty and staff who genuinely embody the mission they speak about. Coming to Xavier, I knew I wanted to teach at a small liberal arts school that prioritized teaching while supporting my research agenda, but I discovered something even more valuable: a community that sees every student as worthy of our very best efforts. The skeptic in me has been converted—not through rhetoric, but through the authentic care I witnessed firsthand.

Dr. Garrett Smith
Assistant Professor, Computer Science