The Editorial Board majority endorsed Eastern’s current Interim Provost Ryan Hendrickson to serve as the official provost.

After weeks of interviews, Eastern heard out the four provost candidates to fill the vacancy.

All candidates displayed desirable traits previously published in an earlier editorial. 

Simone Cummings and Denise Seabert checked off the “for the students” box, while Brian Thomas exhibited a behind-the-scenes solid leadership approach. 

Hendrickson has home field advantage having a pre-established relationship with Eastern since 1999. 

While as the enacting provost, he hasn’t just been a warm body to fill the position but has taken action to better the institution. 

He has expanded academic and scholarship access with several new programs and has assisted with a student mental health app. 

He already has a rapport with our current university president Jay Gatrell, so the two will collaborate well together off the bat. 

While the other candidates exemplified good leadership and student-driven passion, why fix what isn’t broken? Hendrickson has more than proved his dedication and vigor for Eastern.

We thank the other candidates for expressing interest in Eastern, but as students looking for long-term dedication and commitment to the community, Hendrickson would be the prime candidate. 

Eastern would be making a grave mistake to not hire the long-time member of its community, Hendrickson.

The Editorial Board can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].