“We need a graduate program,” said the Faculty.
“Who will build it?” wondered the Chair.
“The Little Red Hen will build it!” said the Faculty.
“I will build it,” said the Little Red Hen. “But I will need everyone’s help.”
“Of course!” cried the Faculty enthusiastically.
“Who will help me draft the proposal?” asked the Little Red Hen.
“Not I,” said the Junior Professor. “I have to worry about my tenure file.”
“Not I,” said the Mid-Career Professor. “I already have too much administrative stuff on my plate.”
“Not I,” said the Senior Professor. “I have no time to spare from my Very Important Research.”
So the Little Red Hen drafted the proposal herself.
“Who will help me raise the funds?” asked the Little Red Hen.
“Not I,” said the Junior Professor. “I’m too worried about exposing myself to retribution.”
“Not I,” said the Mid-Career Professor. “I just finished a book and I need some down-time.”
“Not I,” said the Senior Professor. “This prestigious grant isn’t going to spend itself.”
So the Little Red Hen raised all the funds herself.
“Who will help me implement the curriculum?” asked the Little Red Hen.
“Not I,” said the Junior Professor. “I’m just going through a lot right now.”
“Not I,” said the Mid-Career Professor. “I’ve got that other thing.”
“Thank you for writing. I am on leave until October and cannot respond to email,” said the Senior Professor.
So the Little Red Hen implemented the curriculum herself.
“Who will take credit for the program?” asked the Little Red Hen.
“I will!” said the Junior Professor.
“I will!” cried the Mid-Career Professor.
“I torpedoed your proposal in the Division,” said the Senior Professor.