After one year, top priority is still 'U' academics

After a year of dealing with events that have thrust the University into the national spotlight, University President Lee Bollinger enters his second year on the job with a commitment to advancing the intellectual atmosphere of the University.

When Bollinger stepped into office on Feb. 1, 1997, he did not know what challenges he would face. Taking the reigns of the University during one of its most high-profile years in recent history, Bollinger acknowledged his obstacles, but said they did not distract him from his academic mission.

Two lawsuits challenging the University's admissions policies, the deaths of several students, the difficult firing of Michigan men's basketball coach Steve Fisher and an unbelievable football season that concluded in Pasadena have not made Bollinge

MARGARET MYERS/Daily University President Lee Bollinger has stressed academics at the University since the beginning of his term one year ago.

r lose sight of his vision.

"I have tried to make clear at every point that my main focus is on the academics of this university," Bollinger said. "You're always surrounded by issues pressing for attention, but you have to stay focused on the academic interest of the institution."

These well-publicized events have crafted the relationships between Bollinger, the campus and the surrounding community.

"I suppose in important respects, triumphs and tragedies are in a time where you define the character and values of the community," Bollinger said. "I think all of these events, terrible and great, really have woven the thread of the community more tightly."

Members of the University community, from executive officers to students, agree that the events of the past year have given them the opportunity to witness Bollinger's character.

"I think he has very strong leadership qualities," said physiology Prof. Louis D'Alecy, chair of the faculty's governing body. "I think he presents an air of confidence and openness that encourages faculty engagement and that's very important in these times."

Provost Nancy Cantor said he has met the challenge of outside scrutiny with his open demeanor and honest commitment to the University.

"He handled these extremely tragic and demanding situations with dignity and humanity - that's a mark of his leadership," Cantor said. "From my own experience with Lee, one of his strong points is his genuine interest ... in the campus."

Challenges

Entering his second year, Bollinger said he will continue to bring academic interests to the forefront. To obtain his goals, Bollinger said he will use the Master Plan, designed to bring cohesion to the University community, and also push for moBollinger said he wants to expand his own knowledge of science-related fields.

"I have been made more conscious of my ignorance of the University. I feel very close to the humanities but I know I just don't have the feel for the sciences that I think I should," Bollinger said. "I need to have a greater sense of what's exciting, what is the potential."

Bollinger related his desire to improve his scientific knowledge with his attempt to understand the University's research departments.

"We shall be working toward a closer partnership with the deans of the various schools and colleges in facilitating and supporting the development of new research directions," said Vice President for Research Frederick Neidhardt.

In an attempt to bridge the gap between the president and the academic community, Bollinger said he may move his office out of the Fleming Administration Building to an area more accessible to the student body.

Although a site has not yet been chosen, Lisa Baker, associate vice president for University relations, said it is important to be close to the student body.

"Certainly being in closer proximity to students - in whatever he can achieve - that is important," Baker said.

While Bollinger has withstood media attention and unexpected obstacles, he also has faced personal challenges that he did not anticipate.

Balancing his responsibilities as president of the University with his duties as a father and a husband have been difficult, Bollinger said, adding that his job has intruded on his family - especially his wife, Jean.

"She is an artist and completely dedicated to her work," Bollinger said. "We thought we could separate the burdens and the interests of my position. There is a cost to her that I really want to recognize."

Relationships

Although a major initiative of Bollinger's administration has been to improve aspects of education, many students said they recognize his attempts to become accessible to the University community - including opening his home to students after the Penn State football victory in November and teaching a class this past semester.

"I thought it was cool when he opened his house after the Penn State game," said LSA junior John Bahling. "It showed he's not a guy on a pedestal, but part of the University."

But Bollinger got off to a rocky start with students when the student group Latinos y Latinas Unidos for Change protested during a student reception with the president last spring, accusing Bollinger of not responding to their requests to meet with him.

Bahling said that by attending a variety of activities on campus, from concerts to athletic events, Bollinger has set himself apart from past presidents.

"I don't think students pay as much attention to what goes on in the administration, but students appreciate that he opened his house," he said. "It gives him a perspective on student life instead of just sitting in an office in Fleming."

Athletic Director Tom Goss said Bollinger is intelligent and thoughtful.

"One of his greatest assets is his ability to communicate to the students," Goss said. "That will probably make him one of our greatest presidents."

Vice President for Student Affairs Maureen Hartford said Bollinger strengthened his bond with the community by not only opening his home during good times, but by reaching out to people during times of grief, including attending events that commemorated the life of LSA senior Tamara Williams, who was murdered in September.

"I think both of these occasions tell you a lot about him as a president and as a person," Hartford said. "He cares abut (the students) and wants to be involved in their lives."

Appointments

Aside from the events that have forced Bollinger to react, he has still moved forward by taking steps to build a distinct administration.

In his first year leading the administration, Bollinger created two new positions and appointed three new executive officers to top posts.

"I just can't speak highly enough about the people who have taken these positions," Bollinger said.

In addition to Cantor's appointment as the University's second-in-command - the first woman to hold the position - Bollinger made Robert Kasdin the new Chief Financial Officer and Tom Goss the Athletic Department's new director.

Bollinger also appointed Gilbert Omenn to the position of the vice president for medical affairs, a post created to link the Medical School and University Hospitals with the entire University.

MARGARET MYERS/Daily University President Lee Bollinger invited about 1,000 students to celebrate inside the President's House after Michigan's football victory over Penn State.

02-02-98