Professor Ponders Life

Although it has not been officially announced, many faculty members have begun thinking about the changes that will occur at the University once President Sheldon Hackney heads to Washington. Hackney is expected to be appointed to the National Endowment for the Humanities chairpersonship today, leaving a void at the top of the University's administration. Some faculty members said they are not worried about the effects Hackney's resignation will have on the University. "The institution has sufficient continuity," Political Science Professor Alvin Rubinstein said last night. "There are enough good people around [Hackney] to keep continuity." Others on the faculty said they are less sure about that there will be a smooth transition between administrations. "If [Hackney] leaves, my guess is we'd have an acting president for a while," Emeritus Finance Professor Morris Mendelson said. "That means we'd really have no forward motion." Decision Sciences Department Chairperson Morris Cohen said he is also concerned that without a president, the University will not embark on any new programs. "Obviously, in terms of what will happen in the interim, it depends how long that interim is," Cohen said. "Probably at that time, the University will continue on autopilot. Usually people who are in interim positions don't want to make any waves." When Hackney leaves, only some of the faculty will be included in the selection of his successor, but almost everyone has an opinion on who it should be. "It's an opportunity for change," Cohen said. "I'd like to see the University build its strengths in terms of enhancing its reputation. I'm hopeful that the new president – whoever that is – will take bold initiative." Almost everyone seems to want a leader with vision. "I think a president that has an imaginative mind [will be good for the University]," Mendelson said. "You would hope to find someone who is intellectually creative," Rubenstein agreed. But nobody is expecting a replacement any time soon. Once Hackney announces his resignation, it will probably take about a year to name the University's next president.

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