Congratulations to Roderick McDavis, Ohio University's next president.
From what I read in a May 7 Post article, McDavis appears to be a solid choice.
I have a concern, though, about his desire to increase diversity. It's an excellent goal and worthy of support. However, I hope he doesn't make it his main objective, especially if it involves lowering admission standards. Instead, the emphasis should be on strengthening academics. In other words, make a degree from Ohio University as special as one from Stanford or the University of Michigan. Do that, plus have a superior job-placement program for graduates, and see how the university will attract students of all colors!
Also, I would like to encourage McDavis to make the light of Ohio University shine throughout the state and nation. OU is a major university with historical significance. It is a beautiful university. But how many people know that? What's needed is more effective marketing. And here's a tool that will help: a stronger athletic program, especially for football and basketball. Highly competitive teams will generate more recognition for the university. They also will build campus spirit.
Finally, and I say this as a taxpayer, one of the best things McDavis could do is improve general management of the university. For instance, why spend $780,000 on a bicentennial park when so many buildings are in need of a paint job? And why not ask university personnel to pay more for their health-care benefits? This is occurring throughout the private sector, but the last I knew, the administration elected not to follow suit.
Then there's the matter of professor (and administrator) salaries. My sense is they're a little on the high side. I realize good salaries sometimes are needed to attract and retain top people. On the other hand, whatever happened to altruism, especially at a university? If I were a professor at OU, or any college for that matter, I would work for less than what many instructors are paid nowadays. Building minds to pursue truth and justice would mean more to me than money. As a fellow graduate of Ohio University, I wish McDavis great success. I look forward to OU thriving under his leadership.
-Jeff Reed,
Class of 1971
Norwalk, Ohio
17 Archives
Letter to the Editor
