Buying a new car is a big decision.
Although transportation is an immediate need, the process in selecting a new vehicle is, by no means, speedy. There is a lot more that goes into purchasing a car than selecting a year, make and model.
In our search, we outline which special features we’re hoping to have in the new vehicle, and we look at a history report to check up on the vehicle’s track record. We sit down with advisors to look into financing, loans and which payment plan is ideal for our bank account and our future. We even test drive various vehicles to decide which one best fits our short-term and long-term needs.
It may sound a bit absurd initially, but hiring a new administrative figure at a university is no different. There is a lot more to hiring than just selecting someone based on connections or charisma.
With many high-profile positions to fill at Bradley, we must first outline what it is we’re looking for. For every position, this is going to be different. Even from year to year, this may be different. The goal is to identify characteristics, values and a vision that will best apply to the Bradley community moving forward.
Secondly, we need to review the “history report.” What experience does each candidate bring to the table? How is that going to make them not only successful, but able to grow and strengthen that office or department while empowering students, faculty and administration to take the university to even greater heights?
Thirdly, how will we secure these needed administrators and leaders in a way that is both competitive in the market and financially intelligent for our university’s current state? The budget will balance at the end of this year, but that’s due, in part, to a significant budget cut we’ve already taken.
Finally, will these candidates genuinely prove through open forums, on-campus visits and face-to-face interviews that they are capable of representing who we are and more importantly, who we want to be? Will their platform and vision for the future be aligned with our Hilltop family’s platform and vision for the future?
There is a lot to consider, and we have a mere five months before the start of the next academic year to solidify plans and the people executing them. As a result, this leaves us with one question: how do we take our vision (to be an institution of national distinction known for outstanding programs and for the educational experience it provides its students) and make it a reality?
There are open forums for each candidate visiting campus in pursuit of an administrative position. Do not waste these opportunities to “take the test drive” and see which “vehicle” is really the right one to “drive” us into the future.
In a matter of eight months, we will have a new president, provost, athletic director, men’s basketball coach, executive director of diversity and inclusion, associate provost for information resources and technology and registrar. This is, of course, paired with all of the current faculty interviewing elsewhere, such as the engineering dean and business dean.
If ever there was a time to give our feedback, it is now. There are so many changes coming our way that we really, truly do have the power to voice and act upon our expectations for Bradley University’s future.
We’ve got numerous years, makes and models to choose from, and our level of involvement will determine the next five to seven years financially, academically, athletically, emotionally and structurally.
Stay informed, stay engaged, and don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. We’re in the driver’s seat, now.
