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OPINION
| UPDATED JAN. 22
Editorial/our view
A Change of Place
If the university president goes
to Alabama, other administrators must step up
With the possible loss of university President
Robert Witt to the University of Alabama, UTA could see the end
of a legacy. We must continue the momentum he put into place.
Dr. Witt’s career has spanned eight years of some of the most
dramatic changes this university has ever seen.
Responsible for the many coalitions that strengthen ties between
the university and Arlington, Witt and his administration have brought
a “golden age” to the university. Enrollment is up and
so is project funding. More students than ever live on campus, and
UTA is slowly changing into a more “traditional” school.
His efforts in the Texas Legislature have brought funding and systemwide
attention to UTA, making things such as the nanotechnology research
center possible.
All of this adds up to the university’s being a serious academic
contender and the fastest growing university in Texas.
The important thing to realize is that many of the projects envisioned
by the president have just begun. We are only three years into his
aggressive 20-year Master Plan that is reshaping this university.
The possibility of losing Witt must not affect the greater need
to continue UTA’s growth. While he has played an integral role,
Witt’s administration is still here at the university and must
continue in his absence.
Alabama is a good move for Witt. But this could not have come at
a worse time for the university. In a year of budget shortfalls,
it is more important than ever to have a strong voice in the Texas
Legislature to continue to secure funding for important programs.
Witt has been that voice.
Known as a people person, Witt has built bridges. An interim president
must do the same.
The UT System Board of Regents should be careful to appoint a person
who is well-respected in every aspect Witt is. He has been a powerhouse
for UTA for nearly a decade — those could be hard shoes to
fill.
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Editorial
round-up
The issue: University President Robert Witt said
he would leave UTA if the University of Alabama offers
him the presidency there.
Our stance: Dr. Witt has done an excellent job
turning the university around; it is up to key administrators
to keep the momentum going.
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