The next University of Toledo president needs to discern how the institution will serve students, the university, the community, and the United States, said Christopher Howard, the second of three finalists for the leadership role to visit Toledo.
Mr. Howard, president of the private, all-male Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, made the case for why he should be the next UT leader at a public forum today on main campus.
UT must, for example, decide if it has struck the right balance between admission access and retention of students. He noted that more than 90 percent of those who apply for undergraduate degrees are admitted, but the graduation rate is significantly lower.
“I see no reason why the University of Toledo, perhaps by crafting some creative partnerships, cannot be amongst the exemplars and do just as well as those other public universities,” he said.
Mr. Howard spoke briefly about his own background and family history. He said his great-great grandfather was a slave, and yet just a few generations later, he was picked to lead one of the country’s oldest colleges.
“I believe in the American Dream, because I’ve witnessed it first hand,” he said. “I believe in the power of education, because I’ve witnessed it first hand.”
He frequently stressed his approach would be a collaborative one, and he would take on his role with humility. He said he would spend time observing how the university runs first and would reach out to faculty, staff, and students for input and ask plenty of questions.
In response to an audience question about the importance of the arts, Mr. Howard said he values the humanities.
“Arts make us human. They make us humane,” he said.
A fraternity member asked Mr. Howard about his interaction with Greek life on campus. The candidate’s reply: “I love it in theory.”
He said there’s sometimes a difference between the ideas and ideals espoused by Greek organizations’ charters and how some members may behave. At Hampden-Sydney, where Greek life is a significant part of the campus culture, he said he’s worked with the students to hold themselves accountable. He said a certain responsibility comes with the visibility of belonging to such an organization.
He will participate in a second forum at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Health Science Campus.
The board of trustees is expected to choose next month from three finalists for the presidency.
Former West Virginia University provost Michele Wheatly was in Toledo last week. University of Arkansas provost Sharon Gaber arrives Wednesday and will participate in forums Thursday and Friday.
First Published February 23, 2015, 9:50 p.m.
