EDITORIAL: New leadership system good for students, shows Ross' commitment to education
The recent leadership changes made by University President George Ross will streamline administrative services, effectively helping the university save money in lieu of state appropriation declines for higher education.
As a result of the leadership changes, a new vice president position focused on student needs was created and titled the vice president for Enrollment and Student Services.
Because the vice president for Development and Alumni Relations is headed toward elimination to save money, it is imperative administrators be sensitive during salary negotiations for the new position as a national search commences. Paying the new vice president more than the eliminated position would undermine the whole initiative.
The individual who assumes this role at a future date will be responsible for student enrollment goals, student retention and graduation rates, marketing responsibilities and keeping the university competitive.
Political figures at the national and state level, including President Barack Obama and Gov. Rick Snyder, are pressuring colleges to produce more graduates in order to pump the economy with a more intelligent and capable workforce. Snyder urged college presidents, including Ross, to help him bounce back Michigan’s economy by graduating educated citizens during his speech held at the Governor’s Conference Room at the Capitol Thursday.
Therefore, not only has Ross demonstrated his commitment to Snyder’s vision for improving Michigan’s economy, but he is sending an important message to students that he cares about their success by planning to hire a new vice president to ensure they graduate on time and stay in school.
Ross also announced Tuesday the development and alumni relations, and government relations and public affairs offices were consolidated into one division. Ross said the decision was made to consolidate the two offices after assessing operational efficiencies and cost improvements, proving he is actively seeking ways to ensure funds are allocated at CMU effectively to avoid wasteful spending. It’s a tangible improvement after months of anticipating budget cuts from the state of Michigan.
The projected state budget deficit has climbed to $1.7 billion — that is 7.5 times more than what CMU receives from the state, which has dropped significantly since the onset of the decade. The university is expecting a 20-percent reduction in state appropriations for 2011-12.
Kathy Wilbur’s position as the vice president of Government Relations and Public Affairs was revamped to the vice president of Development and External Relations with the leadership changes effective Jan. 17.
Consolidating administrative offices — and undertaking the first academic prioritization process in the university’s history — may present challenges since they are large projects, but initiatives like these are necessary to undertake in these economic times, and university officials should continue to develop innovative ways to do more with less.
