University faculty members are applauding outgoing interim President Homer Neal as he leaves behind a productive relationship with the faculty.
The faculty's governing body voted Monday to send a resolution to Neal thanking him for his willingness to work with the faculty during the past year.
Prof. Bunyan Bryant, a member of the Senate Assembly Committee on University Affairs and an SNRE professor, said he thought Neal's relationship with the faculty was "outstanding."
"I think he really cared to involve faculty in decisions and at least always considered their input," Bryant said. "It's too bad he couldn't become president because he did a lot for the academic community."
Bryant said Neal took the time to meet with the faculty senate for 30-45 minutes each month.
"He informed us of a lot of things that were going on with education," Bryant said. "There was a feeling of mutual respect, a sense of commitment. A very positive relationship - a lot of positive energy."
Physiology Prof. Lou D'Alecy, a SACUA member, said Neal spent more time listening to faculty members than former President James Duderstadt did.
"I think (former) President Duderstadt tended to feel that the faculty weren't capable of making a quick decision, and he was probably right," D'Alecy said. "However, that's not a reason for not listening to them."
Faculty members said they appreciated Neal's willingness to talk openly with faculty on issues including the Michigan Mandate and the Agenda for Women.
"It kind of was a breath of fresh air," said SACUA Chair Thomas Dunn, a chemistry professor. "He's just willing, anxious and able to discuss openly things that don't need to be discussed behind closed doors."
Dunn said Neal did a good job of addressing the issue of bonuses given to administrators during Duderstadt's term.
Medical School Prof. Alphonse Burdi said that in the "short period of time he has been in office, Neal has been tremendous."
"He's the epitome of what a leader is all about in terms of collegiate relations with the faculty," Burdi said. "I couldn't think of a better person to have the leadership baton to pass on to incoming President Lee Bollinger."