The chancellor-designate of the State University of New York (SUNY) expressed her goals and outlook for the system in an online press conference with student journalists.
???Nancy L. Zimpher, currently the president of the University at Cincinnati, addressed many questions and concerns regarding the current condition of SUNY as well as the future of its 64 campuses in a March 11 Webcast.
???Zimpher discussed the current budget crisis that New York and the nation faces, and the negative impact the current fiscal crisis will have on SUNY's goals. Student-faculty ratios, quality of laboratories, the ability to remain competitive in the retention and recruitment of faculty, and the balance between full- and part-time faculty will be a few of the aspects impacted, according to Zimpher.
???"Let's not kid ourselves, it's going to have an impact on [SUNY's] ability to deliver the quality programs we want," Zimpher said.
???Zimpher also praised UB 2020, the University at Buffalo's comprehensive plan to expand and achieve higher standards, calling it an extraordinary example of how strategic planning can work for a campus. She hopes to craft a similar strategic plan for the entire SUNY program.
???"...The best way to have economic impact as public universities for the state in which we reside is to have the kind of flexibilities that are being put on the table," she said.
???One commitment Zimpher made is to establish a five-year plan with a 10-year projection available for the general public's examination by the spring of 2010. Zimpher cited an increased role in business and industry, technology and making an impact on regional economic development, as well as improving the quality of the student experience during college.
???Zimpher, however, did not wish to articulate a specific set of goals without input from various constituencies.
??? "Rather than pre-empt those conversations," Zimpher said, "...I'm going to lead an integrated and inclusive discussion where your opinions matter too. And I think that's the fair way to proceed."
???Zimpher also stressed the importance of making tuition affordable for all students with the help of the students, student assembly, faculty, staff and alumni.
???"I will do everything in my power to advocate for affordability. I know how important it is," Zimpher said. "I know what an issue it is. I know that the voices of our students are being heard all over the state."
???Campus safety and the health and well-being of the student constituency are also on her list of initial priorities for the official start of her tenure as chancellor on June 1.
???The online press conference, organized by the SUNY Student Assembly and moderated by David Belsky, the assembly's director of communications, marked the first time a SUNY chancellor spoke exclusively to SUNY student media via the Internet.
???The SUNY Board of Trustees unanimously voted on Feb. 10 to make Zimpher the 12th SUNY chancellor. Zimpher is the first woman to hold the position in SUNY's 60-year history. She plans to visit each SUNY campus over the summer and acquaint herself with students and officials.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
