At a forum mostly dominated by Ohio University faculty members, professors urged the university to choose a president who will encourage quality academic research and foster an inclusive environment on campus.
The forum, which took place Tuesday evening in Baker Center Theatre, is part of phase two of the university’s presidential search plan, formulated by the Board of Trustees following President Roderick McDavis’ announcement that he will step down at the end of the 2016-2017 academic year. About 75 people — including students, faculty and members of the administration — attended the event.
Board of Trustees Chair David Wolfort hosted the forum, and was joined by Dennis Barden and John Thornburgh, representatives from Witt/Kieffer, the executive search firm unanimously selected to assist the Board in its selection of the next president. The two are contractually obligated by the university to attend all on-site meetings related to the presidential search.
“I’m thrilled that all of you are here,” Wolfort told the audience. “I’m anxious to hear your input, and I’m looking forward to hearing you characterize what your expectations are for the next leader of Ohio University.”
Richard Vedder, a distinguished professor of economics, was first to voice his comments, explaining that when McDavis first assumed office in 2004, OU ranked 98th in US News’ annual ranking of American universities. As of the latest ranking, however, the number had dropped to 135.
“Our drop in ranking was the largest among public universities in the United States … why?” Vedder said. “I believe the answer is that OU has prioritized virtually everything aside from academic excellence and reputation, showing greater interest in diversity, sustainability and athletics rather than excelling in teaching and research.”
delfin bautista, director of the LGBT Center, said diversity and inclusion would be essential qualities for the university’s new leader.
“What I’m looking for in our next leader is a demonstrated commitment to diversity and justice,” bautista said. “And that this commitment to diversity and justice not only be reflected in student services and athletics, but also in the curriculum, and in efforts to retain a diverse faculty and staff.”
Eric Stinaff, an associate professor of astronomy, voiced a desire that was common among faculty members who took to the microphone: supporting meaningful faculty research at OU.
“Given the talent and potential in our faculty, there remain opportunities to further advance these activities,” Stinaff said. “Therefore I would look for a president who appreciates and has substantial experience in the diversity and importance of research and scholarly activity.”
So far, the university has completed phase one of the presidential search, which included the announcement of Witt/Kieffer as the executive search firm, as well as the appointment of a 21-member search committee composed of board members, students, faculty and community members.
One such community member was Winsome Chunnu-Brayda, the strategic director for diversity and inclusion and multicultural programs and initiatives at the Multicultural Center, who moved to Athens from Jamaica, who stressed the importance that the next president maintain a global perspective — one promoting a vision that is “inclusive of all people.”
“When we’re looking for a president, we should be looking for a scholar, but also for someone who understands what happens with students outside the classroom, and that those two elements are essential in how we prepare our students for the future.” Chunnu-Brayda said.
