Issue date: 4/21/05 Section: News

Media Credit: Michelle Arnold Rick Brandel, dean of students at Northern Arizona University, held an open question session with faculty and staff as part of his interview for the vice president of Student Affairs Wednesday afternoon in the Arcola/Tuscola room in the Martin Luther King Jr. Union.

Eastern's Student Affairs department needs to continue a strong tradition while understanding the financial problems facing higher education, the first vice president for Student Affairs candidate said during his campus visit on Tuesday.

Rick Brandel, dean of students at Northern Arizona University, is the first of four finalists for the job to visit Eastern over the next two weeks.

"There are going to be times when we go to the trough (to ask for money), and Student Affairs isn't what is in the students' best interest," Brandel said. "There are lots of competing interests that come in and have to be balanced."

Brandel attended two open sessions in which Eastern students, faculty and staff could direct comments and questions to him.

"As we know, in higher education money is tight, and we all have needs, wants and wish lists," said Bobbi Kingery, career services graduate placement officer.

Brandel said his goal for the job would be to continue Eastern's tradition of "strong vice presidents" in the department, including Eastern President Lou Hencken.

"There is some heritage here that needs to be honored and understood," Brandel said.

Because he grew up on a farm in Idaho, Brandel said he felt at home when he flew into the Coles County Airport and saw all the farmland.

In addition, one big reason he applied for the job is "not many vice president for Student Affairs positions become available."

Eastern impressed him because of its 80 percent retention rate, community spirit and its recent flawless accreditation visit from the North Central Association.

"In case you didn't know, only about 20 percent of schools get a perfect rating from their visits," he said.

Brandel also admitted that one area he has no experience with is dealing with unions. Eastern has 12 active labor unions, but Brandel is coming from Arizona, where state laws make labor unions ineffective and unnecessary.

"I guess I'll just have to put my student hat on and try to do what's best for them (when union issues come up)," Brandel said.

The remaining three finalists will be on campus next week, and a decision is expected shortly after. Lynette Drake, director of Health Services, is serving as acting vice president for Student Affairs until the position is filled.

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