Campus members review Whitlock
Laura Butler
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: News
"That's what Eastern is about and I think that's what Doug is about," she said. "He's very region-centered and very student-centered."
Group members seemed to struggle to find negative things to say about Whitlock, but they agreed the university still had several areas they thought could be improved with Whitlock's help. The group suggested improved retention, a better working relationship with departments like academic and financial affairs, simplifying the faculty hiring process and striving toward a goal of reaming affordable.
"We need to stay a university of opportunity for students who may not be able to go elsewhere," one discussant said. "We'll have to figure out how to pump the money in to students who need it and keep it that way.
A feeling of optimism and confidence in Whitlock surfaced among attendees.
"I feel lucky to be somewhere where I have such a warm and fuzzy feeling about my president," a new faculty member said. "He's not a career president. He's here because he loves Eastern and that's very evident."
Even though Portch was only here for one day, he said the discussions he had in the open forums and roundtable sessions were fruitful.
"Everyone I've talked to has been forthcoming, helpful, and honest," Portch said. "I've been doing this sort of thing since 2001…and I've got a pleasant job here [at Eastern], which isn't always the case."
Portch finished his day of interviews with an "exit meeting" with Whitlock. He will compile all survey results and interview notes to form a formal evaluation to give to the Board of Regents by their next meeting on June 8.
Group members seemed to struggle to find negative things to say about Whitlock, but they agreed the university still had several areas they thought could be improved with Whitlock's help. The group suggested improved retention, a better working relationship with departments like academic and financial affairs, simplifying the faculty hiring process and striving toward a goal of reaming affordable.
"We need to stay a university of opportunity for students who may not be able to go elsewhere," one discussant said. "We'll have to figure out how to pump the money in to students who need it and keep it that way.
A feeling of optimism and confidence in Whitlock surfaced among attendees.
"I feel lucky to be somewhere where I have such a warm and fuzzy feeling about my president," a new faculty member said. "He's not a career president. He's here because he loves Eastern and that's very evident."
Even though Portch was only here for one day, he said the discussions he had in the open forums and roundtable sessions were fruitful.
"Everyone I've talked to has been forthcoming, helpful, and honest," Portch said. "I've been doing this sort of thing since 2001…and I've got a pleasant job here [at Eastern], which isn't always the case."
Portch finished his day of interviews with an "exit meeting" with Whitlock. He will compile all survey results and interview notes to form a formal evaluation to give to the Board of Regents by their next meeting on June 8.
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