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NEWS
| November 5, 2003
Presidential Search
SC, others surprised with Spaniolo’s
thought process
Some say the candidate takes a
different approach to the university’s issues.
By Kate
Bolen
The Shorthorn staff
When Josh Warren met with finalist James Spaniolo on Monday, the
Student Congress president noticed the candidate for the university’s
top position took a different approach to addressing student issues.
Warren said senators have been asking candidates the same basic
questions and have received similar answers. Spaniolo, he said,
had a different thought process when it came to issues facing students.
“When approached with student concerns, he had a few different
ideas the other candidates had not brought up,” Warren said.
Warren could not say what he discussed during the closed meeting
with Spaniolo.
The dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan
State University is the fourth presidential candidate to visit the
university. Spaniolo held meetings Monday and Tuesday with students,
faculty and alumni.
Kim LaFontaine moderated a meeting between the candidate and the
Association of Academic Directors and Department Chairs on Tuesday.
LaFontaine said Spaniolo was enthusiastic and led a good discussion
with the 20 department chairs and directors from almost every college,
allowing a variety of opinions to be shared.
The associate professor and theater arts chair said the hour went
by rather quickly, but both the finalist and participants learned
from each other.
LaFontaine said Spaniolo was willing to listen and seemed genuinely
concerned about the future of the university.
“He’s a great guy and an upstanding fellow who matches
up with the rest of the candidates,” he said. “He did
a fine job explaining his vision and was on his best behavior.”
John Fry attended the meeting and did not leave disappointed. The
Physics chairman said he was pleased with Spaniolo’s personality
and plans.
Dr. Fry said the finalist seemed personable, frank and honest, which
he called important characteristics in a university president.
“When he was asked about his background, he said ‘some
come up through the ranks while some come from the outside.’
He just happened to come from the outside,” he said.
Fry also said he believes Spaniolo is more approachable than the
last president, Robert Witt. Dr. Witt seemed to be a private person,
and Spaniolo promised to get deeply involved with the university
and community, he said.
“He said he would make certain he would have dialogue with
everyone in the university including cooks, janitors, students,
professors and even parents,” Fry said.
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