The Argonaut has been part of this university and its community since 1898. And every four years since then, those who were once part of our staff will have all left and moved their separate ways.
That means new leadership, new ideas and new news.
Over four years, this iteration of the Argonaut’s staff has continued to delve into the issues that matter most to students.
From administrative overhaul to campus safety, it’s been the mission of our staff to dig up answers to the many questions our readers are asking. But as another academic year comes to a close and students head off to their prospective summer plans or the beginning of the rest of their lives, we here at The Argonaut will continue to ask the tough questions — the questions people might not always want to answer.
In 2013, former Athletic Director Rob Spear mishandled reports of sexual assault from his own athletes. In direct violation with Title IX, the fallout surrounding Spear’s drawn out administrative leave displayed just how ineffective the UI administration could be when an answer to a solution seemed completely obvious.
But the ensuing chaos expanded beyond just Spear’s eventual termination by the Idaho State Board of Education. Still, Vandal athletes are without a permanent athletics director, while the department continues moving forward with a deficit. To say athletics is in limbo might be an understatement. But as it changes, The Argonaut will be there every step of the way.
President Chuck Staben, in a “mutual decision” with the Board, will be stepping down from his position this summer, ushering in a new era for the University of Idaho.
With the announcement of Scott Green’s selection, many questions remain for the man who will lead UI for the foreseeable future.
Will his lack of experience in the education field provide a new outlook for the university or another person in power who leaves after just a few years? The Argonaut will be there to help answer those questions.
This year, we also dove into inappropriate behavior by students within UI’s Greek community. Too often, we hear and report on stories of hazing allegations present on Greek Row and will continue investigating into what kind of culture UI students often turn to early in their college careers.
And in January, Denise Bennett’s battle with university administration caused an initial uproar, subsequent backlash and plenty of still unanswered questions. But when those questions can be answered, The Argonaut and its staff will still continue to work diligently toward the truth.
Among the news building up over the last year and the news we reported this year, there will always be more news to share — more stories to tell.
No matter what changes come our way, from the current staff to the news of the week, our dedication to you will never waiver.
—Editorial Board