Magic tricks
PSU president-elect must focus on state funding, quality education

A little-known fact about Penn State's president-elect Graham Spanier is that he is an accomplished magician. But when he begins his tenure Sept. 1 as the University administration's top dog, he'll have to pull more than a rabbit out of his hat to accomplish all that is required of our next president. During his tenure, Spanier needs to juggle state funding, commit to improving the quality of undergraduate education and maintain a more active relationship with students than administrators have in the past.

As the University's president, Spanier must make lobbying for state money his first priority. Gov. Tom Ridge's recently unveiled proposed budget promises nothing but slim appropriations for Penn State, and Spanier must make every effort to obtain more funds. Spanier needs to work successfully as a go-between for students and the state bureaucracy.

Unfortunately, raising money seems to be Spanier's weak point. He promises to keep tuition affordable and undergraduate education a priority during his Penn State term, but his past experience as chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln points to a strong emphasis on multiculturalism, affirmative action and other social issues. During his tenure, Spanier scheduled to revise Lincoln's curriculum in the fall, concentrating on more general education courses and fewer electives. That type of curriculum revision would only have a negative effect on Penn State's academics and student body.

Although minority concerns have come up against many problems this year, Spanier must focus on money for the University as a whole. Without money, social concerns will suffer because non-essential programs will be cut.

Financial aid is another major concern. Penn State's tuition is among the highest of all of the United States' public universities, and with state funds decreasing, individual students need help paying their tuition. Penn State must continue to provide an affordable education for students.

Improvement of the University's education must also be at the top of Spanier's checklist. As Lincoln's chancellor, he raised admission standards, a positive plan that would make Penn State a more selective institution. As Penn State's top administrator, he must also think about working with professors to improve teaching methods. But professors must also make an effort to work with the new administration and be willing to apply Spanier's ideas.

Spanier presents an impressive resume of experience, leadership and a little bit of magic. But to most students who have yet to meet or even see him, Spanier is still just a politician, with nothing to make them feel that the next five years will be anything special. So with this congratulations comes a challenge -- in the next few years, make a significant impression as a memorable and successful president.