crossTALK: Students Should Be Involved In Picking President
Aryn Hicks:
The Board of Trustees has a say. The administrative staff has a say. Some of the professors have a say. All of these groups have a say in who becomes the new Methodist University president. So, why can’t students have some involvement? Now, I understand that it is improbable and very irrational to get all of the Methodist students together to pick out the new president. No, it would not be practical. Yes, personal agendas might get in the way.
When President Hendricks was hired as the president of Methodist, students did not have a say; needless to say, President Hendricks has done an excellent job through his 27 years of service here. President Hendricks has looked out for the university’s best interests, and has always shown his support for students by attending as many events as possible. In a way, he has spoiled us with his kindness and professionalism, and we want another president who will show us the same care as President Hendricks has.
Sure, the Board of Trustees is also in place to select a competent president who can meet the needs of the university and the students, but when was the last time the board asked students what they would like to see at Methodist? The Board of Trustees is out of touch with the needs and wants of students. Students are in touch with what they want and what they believe needs to change. For something that can affect us this seriously, student would put in positive, rational input on what they would like to see in a university president. Student voices should be heard, considering we do pay more than $30,000 to attend and live at Methodist.
We aren’t going to hire some Bob Lama buffoon who we found on the side of Ramsey Street who knows nothing about education or business, and wants students to be at one with nature by tearing down all the classroom buildings. As students, it is clear that we want a president who will help us progress into the new decade. We want to be assured that our next president will be competent enough to propel us into a new age, but will not neglect students in his efforts to help the school progress.
Student leaders, such as presidents of campus organizations, residential assistants, and some members involved with the Student Government Committee, would look out for the best interests of both the school and their respective organization. If all of the student leaders on campus were allowed to sit in on the hiring interviews, they give their input to the Trustees about the potential president. In this case, the responsible individuals would represent portions of the student body. In this way, students have a say, but are not acting in their interests. This prevents any Bob Lamas out there from destroying the integrity of the University.
Most of the students at Methodist are 18 and older, and have been able to vote in the national elections to vote for our nation’s president. If we are allowed the right to vote for something that affects us on a daily basis, we should be allowed to add in our input on who runs the institution we pay so much to attend.
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