Thomas, Spanier to begin transition

By ERIN STROUT
Collegian Staff Writer

University President-elect Graham Spanier has a lot to learn during the next year, and with the help of outgoing University President Joab Thomas, Spanier will begin the transition this month.

Because the presidential search and screen and selection committees finished their work quickly, there is adequate time for a complete transition, Spanier said. But he was quick to point out, after he was selected last month, he will not officially take the position until Sept. 1.

"The University can only have one president at a time -- that is Joab Thomas for several more months," Spanier said.

But Thomas has much information to share with his successor during the upcoming months. Finances will probably be of primary concern, Thomas said.

"There are financial issues to deal with -- the present recommendation out of Harrisburg leaves us with a deficit," Thomas said. "Out of that concern, a lot of other issues arise."

Gov. Tom Ridge, in his proposed budget, allocated $269 million to Penn State -- $23 million less than the University requested.

Because resources are tight, issues such as HUB/Robeson expansion, class size, technology expansion and laboratory and library concerns will also need immediate attention from Spanier, Thomas said.

Perhaps one of the most complex University aspects that Spanier will have to get acquainted with is the Commonwealth Educational System, Thomas said.

After his official arrival in August, Spanier said he will begin making visits to the Commonwealth Campuses.

"I expect during the first year, I will spend time visiting the Commonwealth Campuses, the cooperative education extension offices and community leaders across the state," he said. "It will take the whole year to get acquainted with the state."

The University opf Nebraska, which is also a land-grant university, has four campuses, each with its own chancellor. But Spanier said the Lincoln campus, where he is chancellor, operates at several dozen different sites around the state and is the flagship campus of the univeristy.

Through visits to the Commonwealth Campuses, Thomas said, a list of common concerns and opportunities can be compiled, as well as those issues unique to some of the campuses.

"Then he can set up a schedule as soon as possible," Thomas said.

Spanier said he has set no specific date for arriving at the University, but he projects it will be sometime in the middle of August. In the meantime, he said, he will take three two-day trips at the end of this month, May and June.

While here on the short visits, Spanier plans to meet with administrators, faculty and student leaders, he said.

What Spanier is most concerned about is getting to know how the faculty and students feel about Penn State, and what direction it should be taking.

"I hope to meet with a lot of faculty and student groups the first year so I can learn through their eyes," Spanier said.

Spanier will have plenty of help in the move to Penn State, though. Thomas will be letting him in on all there is to know about the University.

"I'll be spending quite a bit of time with him during his visits," Thomas said.