PSU president-elect draws mixed reviews

By AMY OAKES
Collegian Staff Writer

The naming of the University's new president has brought mixed reactions among various students and faculty members.

Graham Spanier, chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and former associate dean and professor of human development and sociology at Penn State, was named the new president of the University yesterday, replacing Joab Thomas.

Heidi Sechler (junior-secondary education) said her surprise by the selection leaves her uncertain about the choice.

"In general, I feel uneasiness because you don't know what to expect with a new person coming in," she said.

Like Sechler, Dave Fallgren (senior-finance) said he was unsure of Spanier's main concerns. "It bothers me he might focus more on social issues, and give that precedent over academics," he said.

Andrew Loudon, University of Nebraska-Lincoln student body president and student regent, said in an interview yesterday that Spanier focuses on affirmative action and a "pro-homosexual agenda."

Regardless of students' surprise, they were not afraid to lend advice.

"If he could bring more money to the school, he's the man for the job," said Aaron Powell (junior-business logistics).

Powell added that he'd also like to see the president

increase minority enrollment. "That would be a plus," he said.

While students were surprised by the selection, some were more skeptical of the actual selection process. The selection process consisted of a search and screen committee that reviewed applicants for the position and passed them on to a University Board of Trustees selection committee.

"I wish the process was more open to students. Just the fact that they were so secretive makes the selection more suspect, because you don't know who he was up against," said Joe Spado (junior-political science) He said he hopes the new president would open access to administrators' salaries.

Stephen Mazlum (senior-history) said he'd also like to have seen more student input in the presidential selection.

"Considering we pay the president's salary, it would have been nice," he said.

Three students and the student trustee, Don Lamuth, were on the committees.

While some question the selection, many professors said they trusted the judgment of the selection committee.

"I don't know anything about him, but I have confidence in the selection committee," said David Dontigny, professor of art.

Dontigny said it was good that the University could attract Spanier. "It's a positive comment to Penn State to draw someone of that stature from a quality institution," he said.

Richard Kennedy, assistant professor of music, said although he was far removed from the selection process, he felt comfortable with the decision. He said he trusted that the people involved were doing the best job possible.