Spring Break
Column: The character of Eastern's administrators
Chris Kromphardt / Columnist
Issue date: 4/27/09 Section: Opinions
In judging a person's character, it is often more important to look at his actions rather than his words. Sure, someone might be able to talk a mean talk, but how's his walk?
The administrators of Eastern are charged with a daunting task: making sure the university is a quality place at which to live, learn and teach. This school prides itself on valuing the human quality in its leaders, that certain something extra some people possess that shows they truly care about the work they're doing and whom they're doing it for.
Sometimes that something extra is a Friday afternoon game of catch with students on the library quad.
Dan Nadler, vice president for student affairs, often works side-by-side with students. While that relationship is as professional as they come, when asked to join a group of Student Government members to throw a softball around one beautiful afternoon, Nadler and his assistant, Jenny Sipes, were only too happy to oblige. That willingness to interact with students on multiple levels is one of the reasons I believe Nadler is a great vice president for student affairs.
As awesome as it would be to have a student executive board versus university executive board basketball match, we can't expect all the administrators to suit up in order to better connect with students. No less effectively, President Bill Perry has his own ways of keeping in tune with what's going on with students. Last fall, among groups invited to the President and Mrs. Perry's home was the Student Government, its 30-odd members gathered to enjoy pizza and shoot some pool with the university president, and let me tell you, he's pretty good.
Blair Lord, vice president for academic affairs and provost, might seem to be a bit of an imposing figure, but once you get him talking on something he's very knowledgeable about, you could mistake him for any other faculty member. Earlier this semester, Lord presented to a group of 40 students the secrets behind what so many of us had come to despise: the Electronic Writing Portfolio. Lord was proficient at diffusing a potentially hostile crowd, myself included, who'd endured long lines at Ninth Street Hall, and the inanity of tracking down old professors to sign off on our submissions, and Lord said that, yes, we have listened to your complaints, and we have come up with solutions. By personally allaying students' concerns, Lord effectively put to rest what had once been a potent source of student griping, a true sign of respect for Eastern students.
While I would love to make examples of all of Eastern's administrators, from President Perry down to individual department chairs, I only have 520 words. The examples I did provide, though, make more than a compelling enough argument to show that we're very lucky to have the people we do making the most important decisions. A commitment to personally interacting with the students they serve is the best way to get the feedback they need to be the best administrators possible. And as a graduating senior, I'd just like to say thanks.
Chris Kromphardt is a senior political science major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENopinions@gmail.com.
The administrators of Eastern are charged with a daunting task: making sure the university is a quality place at which to live, learn and teach. This school prides itself on valuing the human quality in its leaders, that certain something extra some people possess that shows they truly care about the work they're doing and whom they're doing it for.
Sometimes that something extra is a Friday afternoon game of catch with students on the library quad.
Dan Nadler, vice president for student affairs, often works side-by-side with students. While that relationship is as professional as they come, when asked to join a group of Student Government members to throw a softball around one beautiful afternoon, Nadler and his assistant, Jenny Sipes, were only too happy to oblige. That willingness to interact with students on multiple levels is one of the reasons I believe Nadler is a great vice president for student affairs.
As awesome as it would be to have a student executive board versus university executive board basketball match, we can't expect all the administrators to suit up in order to better connect with students. No less effectively, President Bill Perry has his own ways of keeping in tune with what's going on with students. Last fall, among groups invited to the President and Mrs. Perry's home was the Student Government, its 30-odd members gathered to enjoy pizza and shoot some pool with the university president, and let me tell you, he's pretty good.
Blair Lord, vice president for academic affairs and provost, might seem to be a bit of an imposing figure, but once you get him talking on something he's very knowledgeable about, you could mistake him for any other faculty member. Earlier this semester, Lord presented to a group of 40 students the secrets behind what so many of us had come to despise: the Electronic Writing Portfolio. Lord was proficient at diffusing a potentially hostile crowd, myself included, who'd endured long lines at Ninth Street Hall, and the inanity of tracking down old professors to sign off on our submissions, and Lord said that, yes, we have listened to your complaints, and we have come up with solutions. By personally allaying students' concerns, Lord effectively put to rest what had once been a potent source of student griping, a true sign of respect for Eastern students.
While I would love to make examples of all of Eastern's administrators, from President Perry down to individual department chairs, I only have 520 words. The examples I did provide, though, make more than a compelling enough argument to show that we're very lucky to have the people we do making the most important decisions. A commitment to personally interacting with the students they serve is the best way to get the feedback they need to be the best administrators possible. And as a graduating senior, I'd just like to say thanks.
Chris Kromphardt is a senior political science major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENopinions@gmail.com.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 6
wolfey6
Bill
posted 4/26/09 @ 11:17 PM CST
I must agree.
While I obviously can't speak about every administrator on campus, I have been very impressed with the rapport I have built with several administrators on campus. (Continued…)
Catherine
posted 4/27/09 @ 7:07 AM CST
President Perry is an excellent servant leader. He takes the time to really get to know his students as much as he can. He and his wife volunteered at Panther Service Day last weekend. (Continued…)
Bradley T Saribekian
Brad
posted 4/27/09 @ 10:43 PM CST
Excellent article, Chris! Students have the privilege of attending a University who's administrators are down to earth, in the action, and keep everyone in the loop as often as possible. (Continued…)
Scott Richey
posted 4/28/09 @ 9:33 AM CST
Yes, Bill Perry is a nice guy. Yes, Blair Lord is well-spoken and articulate. I agree with the column on those points. What I don't understand is why something like this appeared in a newspaper. (Continued…)
c
posted 4/29/09 @ 7:55 PM CST
I have to agree that seems like a DEN fluff piece.
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