Jan. 1, 1997, will not only herald the start of a new year, but the beginning of a new era in University history. On New Year's Day, Lee Bollinger will begin a month-long transition period on campus, before becoming the next leader of the University.
After using January to settle in, the Dartmouth College provost will officially take over the presidency Feb. 1.
"He's going to use the time to meet with people and talk about the things he should talk about as president," said Vice President for University Relations Walter Harrison.
Harrison said he expects Bollinger will use most of the transition month to reacquaint himself with the University community and the expectations of its members, rather than as a period of apprenticeship under interim President Homer Neal.
Bollinger could not be reached for comment yesterday.
The start of his term, however, comes considerably sooner than many previous estimates, which ranged from April to June 1997.
Regent Laurence Deitch (D-Bloomfield Hills) said members of the Board of Regents are excited to start working with the University's new leader.
"It feels great," Deitch said. "It feels full of possibility. I am very enthusiastic about Mr. Bollinger's presidency. I think he will be an extraordinary leader of the University, and I can't wait for his active tenure to begin."
A transition period for incoming presidents is not a new concept. Former President Robben Fleming spent four months on campus prior to taking office, but James Duderstadt did not have a transition period between his time as interim president and his selection for the full-time post.
Harrison said the details of Bollinger's employment contract with Dartmouth College were altered to provide for a more rapid transition.
Laurel Stavis, director of public affairs at Dartmouth, said Dartmouth is working to provide a smooth transition for Bollinger. "We want to make this a happy transition for Lee and the University of Michigan," Stavis said. "Any way we can help in this quick and easy transition, we are more than happy to do so."
Harrison said the seven years Bollinger spent as dean of the University's Law School give him a strong foundation to start his presidency.
"Lee has spent most of his career here, so he has less of a learning curve to begin with," Harrison said. "I think a lot of people around here - not the least of them Homer Neal - are eager for Lee to become president."
Neal, who is a highly respected physicist, has spoken frequently about his excitement to return to the physics lab to continue his research.
Deitch said Bollinger will manage the transition effectively and "hit the ground running" as president.
"It's pretty straightforward," Deitch said. "We're anxious for the Bollinger era to begin. ... He is not a stranger to this campus. He's only been gone for 2 1/2 years."
Lisa Baker, associate vice president for University relations, said there has been no decision about when Bollinger will move into the president's residence on South University Avenue.
The final plans for Bollinger's inauguration are also undetermined. "We're deciding between late in the winter term or in the fall," Harrison said. At the very least, the inaugural season will consist of a formal ceremony, probably in Hill Auditorium, and an open celebration for members of the University community, Harrison said.
"I think Lee feels quite strongly that the inauguration will be held while students are here," Harrison said.
Regent-elect Olivia Maynard (D-Flint) said she is "pleasantly surprised" that Bollinger's presidency is slated to begin in February.
Maynard will likely spend most - if not all - of her eight-year term working with Bollinger. But she said it has not been frustrating to watch from the sidelines while the first stages of his presidency are organized.
"I feel very positive about him," said Maynard, whose term will begin in January. "I think it will be exciting for the future of the University."
Students will benefit from Bollinger's quick transition, said Michigan Student Assembly President Fiona Rose.
"What this University needs is a stable presidency as soon as possible," Rose said. "He's open-minded, and he has a lot of great ideas for Michigan."
Stavis said the Dartmouth community has known Bollinger could be tapped for a presidency at almost any time.
"Lee Bollinger is an eminent scholar and a talented administrator," Stavis said. "With all eminent scholars and talented administrators, one knows that they're all in demand."
"The University of Michigan is exceedingly lucky. And we are exceedingly honored."
WARREN ZINN/Daily
Lee Bollinger visited campus in November to be officially selected by the Board of Regents as the 12th University president.