After the eraser dust settles and final exams are over, many students will leave the University of Idaho campus to embark on summer adventures. While students are preoccupied with jobs and vacations, decisions will be made at the university that will impact the rest of their academic careers.
The departure of several key administrators this spring means the university will take steps to hire new leaders in the next few months. UI is in search of a new president, provost and dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences — to name just a few positions that are soon to be vacant.
Some interim administrators have been selected, but important decisions regarding UI’s future will be made during the summer while a majority of students are absent. It’s clear the university needs a different style of leadership, especially in regards to the new president, and students should take an active role in expressing the qualities they desire in their administration.
UI needs a president who has the vision to set long-term goals, but the drive to accomplish short-term goals students can see the results of during each academic school year. It’s also important the president intends to stick around long enough to have a lasting impact. If they set an 11-year-long enrollment goal, they should see it through.
Students need a president who is committed to transparency and willing to step forward immediately as the voice of the university during times of crisis. The campus community needs a leader who can communicate effectively and make personal statements to reassure and direct the university.
The university needs an active leader who takes the initiative to engage with students of all majors, from the ASUI President to the newest freshman.
M. Duane Nellis was UI’s fifth president in about 10 years. To retain and attract quality leaders, UI needs to create a stimulating work environment with adequate pay for the work expected of them. UI will continue to face difficulties of all kinds — from financial to educational — and the university needs strong leaders to maintain the quality education and experience students have come to expect.
As students leave campus in the next few weeks, we need to keep in mind what we expect from our future administrators. Make your wishes known to the ASUI members who represent us, so they can take a stand for what we as a student body desire.
Students are the most important members of the campus community and the reason for UI’s existence. Don’t let these big decisions slip by unnoticed without our input.
— KM