Spring Break
Forum grills provost finalist
Candidate discusses plans for diversity, retention
By: Yusra Tekbali
Issue date: 1/30/08 Section: News
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"The UA's ambition to join the top 10 public research institutions is a very realistic goal," she said. "This is the best land grant university west of the Mississippi."
Over 100 people attended the forum at the Student Union Memorial Center's North Ballroom from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Hay said there were three major reasons for her interest in the UA: it's commitment to excellence in science and research, it's foundation as a land grant university and its location in the southwest.
Faculty recruitment and retention, ensuring access to all students and advancing diversity are the main challenges facing public research institutions, Hay said, adding that she would be committed to furthering progress in all three areas.
"You can't be classified as world class unless your student body is diverse," she said. "Globalization is changing the fabric of our society and education needs to produce individuals who can work with people of diverse backgrounds."
Hay said the student graduation and retention rates are also major areas of concern.
"At Iowa, the strategy of implementation centered around the philosophy that access and success are the responsibility of the entire state and the entire community," she said.
Hay said her experience at the University of Iowa would help her perform her duties at the UA, mentioning Iowa's college transition course and emphasizing the importance it plays in helping new students succeed.
Throughout most of her speech, Hay outlined ways in which she would work with UA staff and faculty in order to fully represent the university community.
"I'm very inclusive and I'm not afraid to hire people smarter than I am," she said.
"Talented faculty make advances real," she added.
After Hay's speech, the floor was open to the audience for questions.
Keith Humphrey, assistant dean of students, director for the Dean of Students Office and director of the Parents and Family Association asked Hay about her views on domestic partnerships for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
"Most universities have benefits for domestic partners and this ties in to retaining world class faculty - if the goal is to advance the workplace…how would you build a family friendly, very flexible environment?" he asked.
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Karen Greco, PhD, RN, ANP
posted 1/30/08 @ 9:58 PM PST
I liked the story. I received the link in my faculty email. I get the impression she is a smart, visionary woman with good ideas. I like how she believes in being inclusive and is not threatened by those "smarter than herself. (Continued…)
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