As he prepares to enter his third year as president of Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts, J. David McClung offers insights into his life.

Q. What is your concept of joy?

A. My grandchildren.

Q. What is your greatest fear?

A. Being bored.

Q. Which historical figures interest you the most?

A. Lewis and Clark.

Q. Which living person influences you the most?

A. Leslie Parrott Sr.

Q. What was your most unique destination?

A. Tirana, Albania.

Q. What trait most concerns you in other?

A. Arrogance.

Q. What trait most concerns you in yourself?

A. The tendency to promise more than I can deliver—over commitment.

Q. What skill do you appreciate in others?

A. Team building.

Q. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

A. Just having more time—time is passing on, there are still a lot of things I'd like to do.

Q. When and where were you happiest?

A. I'm always happy when I'm on the move.

Q. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

A. Raising four children who love the Lord and are in the church.

Q. Where is "home?"

A. Gig Harbor, Washington.

Q. What is your description of holiness?

A. Living a life that's consistent with what I believe.

Q. Where have you seen holiness reflected?

A. In my mother.

Q. If you were to change occupations, what would you like to do?

A. I do that regularly. I'd probably be an explorer.

Q. What trait do you most value in your relationships?

A. Honesty.

Q. Who are your heroes?

A. I greatly admire missionaries.

Q. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

A. I would have paid more attention when my doctor told me to watch triglyceride levels.

Q. Who was your greatest teacher?

A. My father.

Q. What is your motto?

A. Nothing the Lord and I can't do.

Q. How would you like your epitaph to read?

A. He loved the students.

Q. Do you have a key scripture verse?

A. Proverbs 3:5-6—but I love all of the Proverbs.

Q. What would be a dream destination?

A. Africa. I have not been there.

Q. What pleasant surprise have you discovered in being a college president?

A. I love college students.

Holiness Today, July/August 2004

Please note: This article was originally published in 2004. All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at that time but may have since changed.