The university’s final four presidential candidates have made themselves available for five interviews each over the span of one week, at which time students, staff, faculty and community members are invited to meet and question each candidate and offer feedback to the presidential search advisory committee.

Although the Board of Trustees will ultimately make the final decision on President Bill Perry’s successor, these interviews nonetheless allot time for the university and Charleston community to have a say in who will take on that role.

The presidential search forums offered throughout last semester served as a platform for people to express the qualities they feel are necessary in the university’s next leader. Having taken that input into consideration, the committee has chosen the four candidates they feel will best represent and lead the university community. In order to move forward, however, the committee has asked for further feedback before making its final report to the board.  This is an extraordinary opportunity for anyone who may be affected by the election of a new president, and those individuals have the opportunity as well as a responsibility to attend as many interview times as possible.

The election of a new president marks a turning point for the university. In a time of low enrollment and budget cuts, a shift in leadership offers the potential for change. Whether or not that change will be beneficial to the university is not something that can be predicted. However, these opportunities to meet with each candidate allow for the community to decide who will lead with the most strength, confidence and good intention.

For the past seven years Perry has represented Eastern, meaning that seniors graduating in May 2015 have only known Eastern through the Perry’s vision and leadership.

What this also implies is that students, staff and faculty members continuing their careers at Eastern will be here to witness this transition, and experience its effects.

The quality of the careers and education granted by the university will lie in the hands of a new name and face, but we as a community are being offered an opportunity to make suggestions.

This decision affects those who are finishing their time at Eastern as well. The changing status of the university and the association of its diploma will follow graduates and faculty long after their time here comes to a close.

The completion of a college education and employment at a university are accomplishments to be proud of. As much as Eastern is an educational institution it is also a brand with an image and status to be improved upon and maintained.

The responsibility of the safety, comfort and quality of our time at Eastern will be granted to someone new shortly. We are lucky to be at Eastern at such a pivotal time, and we should use any leverage we are given to our advantage.