No don’t get excited, Bush is still around.
However, here at SMC we have a new President of the college. Jack Neuhauser. I know I have mentioned him before but I think that he warrants his own article considering his position.
Last year there were 3 candidates for the position brought to our college and given the ability to speak in an Open Forum setting in front of students, faculty, and staff. The problem with this was that there were barely any students present. If something of this nature were to happen again I would almost recommend to whoever is the current Dean of Students that he has teachers make this a requirement for their classes. But anywhoo… I recall Jack’s Open Forum very well. He looked friendly enough and as the first candidate to have an OF I am sure there was some nerves to him. However his answers seemed lacking and I left with the feeling that this current Trustee might not know too much about SMC after all.
First impressions can be misleading, haven’t I learned that yet?
Long story short – Jack got the position and Alex and I met with him at the end of the year. I was pleasantly surprised how supportive he immediately was of student endeavors and how he planned to focus on making SMC a nationally known liberal arts college. Academics seemed to be his number one priority and not only improving them here but getting the word out that SMC is just as good as anything else out there.
I’ve had plenty of contact with Jack since those initial times. He’s met with our E-Board, Alumni Board, Student Government, etc. Each time he is willing to tell of his plans but what I find far more important is that he is willing to listen to our suggestions, complaints, everything. While Jack is not one for long speeches, he gets to the point. In five minutes he could say more than what many people I know say all day. And his focus on Academics hasn’t changed one bit.
Do I think he was the right choice? Absolutely! I think that conviction will only grow throughout the rest of this year. Do I feel lucky that I will have this experience helping to acquaint him to the college from a student’s perspective? Absolutely times 10.
Good choice Trustees…
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