As a part of Kick-off week, Institutions of Higher Learning commissioner Glenn Boyce and Associated Student Body president Rod Bridges hosted a listening session Wednesday in Bishop Hall to hear students’ concerns and wishes pertaining to the search for the next chancellor.
Bridges opened up the discussion by referring to the session as one of the most important events in which students will take part.
“We want the opinions of many different groups here on campus and students of all backgrounds,” Bridges said.
About 120 students, from freshmen to graduate levels of study, attended the meeting.
In their ranks were representatives from the Black Student Union, Student Activities Association, the UM Pride Network and many other campus organizations.
Cole Putman, junior social work major and executive director of Freshman Council for ASB, said he came to help ensure the selection of a quality replacement for former Chancellor Dan Jones.
“It was one of those things where you don’t know what you have until it’s gone,” Putman said. “I really want to be a part of the selection process for our new chancellor.”
Boyce introduced the meeting with the promise that students’ comments would be passed down to the board. He also opened the floor for discussion, asking the students about the importance of a chancellor having some sort of attachment to the University of Mississippi, or Mississippi in general.
However, it seemed students’ main concerns were not with Boyce’s opening question, but rather with the tension between change and tradition on campus.
John Brahan, a junior public policy and theatre arts major, commented on this conflict, acknowledging the presence of both progressive and traditional views on campus.
“I think our next chancellor needs to come in knowing and understanding that when we go towards progressing and creating a more equal, accepting campus, that we must do so with poise and dignity rather than trying to change it an a very drastic way,” Brahan said.
Logan Wilson, a representative from the Black Student Union, said he wanted a chancellor who would not shy away from an unpopular task.
“Though I believe the next chancellor should be calm and poised in these situations, I want a chancellor who isn’t afraid of the media and not afraid of what the biggest donors think,” Wilson said. “If progression is needed, I want to see progression. I don’t want him to be timid but rather speak his mind and propel us to change.”
Another tension brought up in the session was that between IHL and the student body. Alexis Smith, a sophomore international studies and sociology major, said the chosen chancellor will be burdened by the circumstances under which he or she is hired.
“It will take a lot of work for the new chancellor to gain our trust,” Smith said. “We need a chancellor that will work hard to let students know he loves us.”
In an interview after the meeting, Boyce said he was pleased with the willingness of students to give their opinions and appreciated hearing from a diverse crowd.
“We’re very committed to their feelings and passionate about the skill sets they believe the next chancellor should have,” Boyce said. “I’m also excited about their deep love for Ole Miss as an institution.”
