Interim President Lou Hencken’s first policy speech has asserted an atmosphere of forward movement during a period at Eastern that could be threatened by the title “interim.”

While Eastern is playing catch-up to the other state universities in terms of funding and academic developments such as Internet and off-campus course offerings, it may have never been more important to have a determined leader and not a lame-duck figure head.

“My plan is to continue to move this university forward,” Hencken said to a faculty luncheon on Friday afternoon.

Hencken has affirmed he will not spend his time waiting for a permanent president to arrive, which could take almost a year.

During his speech, Hencken stated several changes he will make under his administration and also outlined goals for his short term in office.

It was not only by doing that, but the way that he did it that he affirmed his desire to lead Eastern further.

He has said he will make several adjustments in terms of reporting lines for such administrative offices as admissions, registration, sports and alumni services.

These decisions were made both in light of Hencken’s 35 year experience as an Eastern administrator and with the input of the involved administrators.

In addition, he made the changes without regard for the next president. A smart move and the right attitude to have if Eastern is to truly move forward under his guide.

“When the new president arrives, he or she can make whatever changes they feel necessary, but, in my opinion, these changes will better serve the needs of the university,” Hencken said.

He also set a specific and important goal for his term.

“We will increase the enrollment for the fall semester 2002 by at least 250 students.”

By announcing his goal to increase enrollment, Hencken inadvertently acknowledged a running problem at Eastern: declining enrollment.

Enrollment is the heart of any university.

The less students, the less tuition and fee funds Eastern has to work with. Furthermore, a university with decreasing enrollment is not likely to see high budget increases from Springfield.

In fact, decreasing enrollment was most recently blamed for the increases in Heath Service prescriptions and birth control.

It is important to acknowledge the problems this university may have. Without admitting the problem it is hard to work toward a solution.

Hencken is coming out strong in the beginning of his interim term. The list of things to do is long, but Hencken has already taken the right steps to see them through.