Ohio University's Student Trustee finalists agree on the central issues facing Ohio University, but each has a different view on how to go about the position.
Gov. Ted Strickland's office interviewed all five Tuesday in preparation for the announcement of the new student trustee May 19 at the annual Leadership Gala. The new trustee will replace outgoing trustee Chauncey Jackson and serve alongside Kyle Triplett, who was selected last year.
The Board of Trustees, OU's highest governing body, includes two non-voting student trustees. Board members must approve OU's major financial and administrative decisions. The board consists of nine voting members, two non-voting national trustees and a non-voting representative from the Alumni Association Board, in addition to the two students.
The Student Trustee Selection Committee, a group of students and student leaders, chose the five from a group of 13 applicants.
Zach George
George, a freshman from Cincinnati studying international business, said he felt the trustee should be dedicated to communicating to both students and the board.
The ability to open a dialogue between the students and the board has been lost. George said.
The communication would be vital, particularly in addressing OU's financial outlook, George said.
We have the $13.75 million deficit in fiscal year 2011
and we could have a $15 million deficit in 2012. George said.
He noted OU's recent decision to raise tuition by 3.5 percent, as well as a separate decision raising room by 2.5 percent and board by 2 percent.
Those are some major concerns of the student body he said. The student trustee should be there to answer the questions and qualms of the students.
George noted connection to all of the schools at OU through friends and said he would bring a superior level of commitment.
My philosophy has always been second to none George said.
Emily Hawley
Hawley, a sophomore from Ashland, Ohio, studying both economics and history, stressed the importance of involving the students in OU and Athens affairs.
An important part of the job is not just bringing the perspective of the students to the board
but it's more important to bring the board perspective to the students
Hawley said.
Hawley said she was concerned students often do not look at the bigger picture when seeing their fees increase.
Students often get wrapped up in themselves and paying a few dollars more when (budget concerns) could really sink the university
she said.
She also said OU's student body should be more connected with the rest of Athens.
I want to focus on opening up communication with the outside community
Hawley said, pointing to what she considers a disconnect between OU and the rest of Athens.
Hawley said her interest in economic development and community involvement made her unique among the candidates.
Alex Menrisky
I think it needs to be said that economic issues are top priority for the university at the moment
said finalist Menrisky, a sophomore from Springboro, Ohio, studying journalism. Menrisky is a former Post columnist.
He noted the importance of university planning in keeping the budget stable, praising university officials for their ongoing efforts managing OU's finances.
The economic cuts will continue to be an issue
but I think we're on a solid base at the moment
he said.
Menrisky also said he felt it was important to keep current programs promoting student involvement, such as OU research centers, from being downsized.
We should push to keep student involvement and activity at a maximum
he said.
Molly O'Brien
O'Brien, a sophomore from Reading, Ohio, studying public administration, said she felt experience would help her be more productive.
In the next two years
