In The Scout’s final editorial of the 2025-2026 school year, we gave the university a thumbs down for its accessibility and safety.
At the forefront of our concerns were the campus’s inconvenient paths and sidewalks along with how it handles harsh weather.
Before we could begin classes, much less publish our first edition, Bradley President James Shadid responded by building a direct walkway at the intersection of the Michel Student Center and the Business and Engineering Conversion Center (BECC).
At a time where many leaders seem allergic to taking accountability, listening to their population and delivering on their campaign promises, Shadid’s swiftness is a breath of fresh air.
In fact, for most of his 17-month tenure, he has breathed life into the campus.
New pickleball courts. Renovations to the student center and to both Harper and University Hall. Premier club sports to expand opportunities for women looking for involvement. Partnerships with other colleges to help bring more students to Bradley.
Everywhere you look, innovation is afoot.
More than any fancy new building, it’s clear that constructing relationships with his fellow Braves is the priority.
Shadid has been a unicorn in comparison to a typical university president, certainly at this institution. He’s frequently on the yard, interacting with students and showing up at community events.
He’s been open to conversations with the student groups on campus and has implemented changes based on the feedback.
Plus, he’s about as accessible as he’s trying to make the campus.
Time will tell if he’s able to thwart the downward trend of student enrollment, help make Bradley a safer campus or revive a few of the programs and majors the school lost before his tenure began.
But he’s off to an excellent start.
Local, state and national leaders, take notes.
