As students, we need someone who will be able to guide us and the university we devote much of our time to. As a provost, academics and students are the main priorities.
If Eastern is educating the next generation’s leaders, its leadership needs to exhibit the qualities of good leadership.
Besides the standard requirements like good problem-solving skills, organization and being aware of who you serve, the next provost should have qualities that help Eastern achieve its institutional goal: to being all in for its students and community.
Transparency
The next provost should keep a clear line of communication open to the campus community. If someone is to be transparent, people will trust them with their decisions.
In some cases, students do not always know what is going on in the higher-up world of academic affairs. Students look for clarity and hope to see someone who can explain and educate students on what is happening and how it impacts them in a way they can understand.
Cares about students and university
No one wants a detached leader. With the ever-growing divide in social and generational leadership, people want someone who they can relate to. This will help if the new provost is active and present on campus and within their community.
If people can relate to someone, the chances of both parties succeeding are increased because they feel valued.
We do not want someone who just shows their face from time to time. We want someone who can truly commit to Eastern’s academics and its students.
Dedicated to Eastern and its mission
Eastern’s staple is being “all in.” We need someone is able to give 110% of their effort into bettering the university and furthering its overall mission.
Dedication doesn’t stop with only attitude and mindset. Those who have a strong connection with Eastern should know how to care for its students and mission.
Although new thoughts and ideas might be useful for someone who has not been at Eastern, understanding the dynamic of our university is so important.
Understanding the demographics and being in a rural area is so different than being at a Big 10 school. We have a different need for an academic leader.
This appointment is not a simple hire. There are a lot of eyes on this because our former provost is now our university president. There is a higher expectation, but this could be for the better. Why not raise the standard?
Those who have not shown their dedication to Eastern will have a harder time convincing students and the selection committee they are better candidates than an internal hire. It isn’t impossible, but should be heavily considered by external applicants. We hope Eastern will give equal chance to all candidates.
The Editorial Board can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].
