Stetson Cupola 1987-16-1

mm A m Vol. 16 No. 1 (USPS 990-560) Fall 1987 Stetson CUPOLA Expectations of a new administration Dr. Lee pledges his support to faculty as "the heart and soul of Stetson." Help us preserve Stetson's great heritage—this is what Stetson University's eighth president, Dr. H. Douglas Lee, is asking of alumni and friends of the institution. In turn, he pledges to try to live up to their expectations: to keep the quality of the academic experience high, and to support the faculty as "the heart and soul of Stetson." Dr. Lee outlined what he believes the university's various constituencies expect of him, and what he will expect of them, during his first address to faculty and students at the 105th convocation Sept. 2 in the Forest of Arden. "We do have a great heritage, and we must preserve it," Dr. Lee declared. Whatever we have given in the past, we must continue to give in the future. Stetson will not achieve its goal of academic quality with anything but our very best level of support." As president, he expects the faculty to "move beyond the position of stability and great teaching to the position of renewal and responsibility. . . . The students and alumni . . . are depending on you to protect and improve the quality of our academic program, and ... you simply must succeed." To assist faculty in reaching these goals, Dr. Lee announced a $2 million endowment fund for faculty development, established by the late Dr. J. Ollie Edmunds and his family. The program will support faculty research, new course development, and sabbati cal leaves. A total of 20 grants will be made each year. Dr. Lee also revealed that the university's fourth president and only alumnus to hold that position, was responsible for the fund which supports the McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching, awarded annually at Stetson. Noting that Dr. Edmunds "was and is Stetson . . . the grand old man of the university," he recalled an admonition Dr. Edmunds has given him: "Young man, don't you ever forget that the key to Stetson University is its faculty . . . they are the heart and lifeblood of this university." He urged students to "pursue your humanity . . . understand who you are as a person . . . and develop the competency and skill to do a worthwhile task, fill a need or live a productive life." He challenged them to "pursue a relationship with God and to strive to develop every skill that God has given to you." "The danger is to see these expectations and the future as the other person's problem," Dr. Lee declared. "We can only achieve our goals if we unite, if we make both an individual and a corporate commitment to the task at hand. I believe we will commit, that we will unite, and that this day . . . truly marks a new beginning ... in the life of Stetson University. . . . May God give us the wisdom, the stamina, and the courage to achieve the task that is before us." Busy year ahead for Stetson community The 1987-88 academic year will be a busy one at Stetson with the inauguration of the university's eighth president, Dr. H. Douglas Lee, the opening of Stetson's first sorority houses and a new focus for some old programs. Although inaugural events are set for November 5 and 6, Dr. Lee and his cabinet have been deep into planning the new presidency. There were two intensive planning sessions this summer—one on campus, the other a week-long retreat—to set agendas for the coming year. Dr. Lee, the deans of the four schools and the administrative deans are looking at a five-year university-wide plan in terms of programs and opportunities. These sessions are essential for the administration, Dr. Lee said, since the university has three other new faces in key positions: Dr. Louis Brake- man, provost; F. Mark Whittaker, vice president for university relations; and Dr. Gary Maris, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The first sorority houses in the history of the 105- year institution opened this fall. The Sorority House Complex, between May and Minnesota Avenues, provides housing for all women's Greek organizations. The $1.6 million project accommodates 112 students now using other university housing. West University Hall is being closed. Other construction on campus this summer included a new roof for the Gillespie Museum of Minerals, phase II of the renovation on Elizabeth Hall (primarily air conditioning estimated at $375,000), remodeling of classrooms in Davis Hall (business building), redecorating the faculty lounge in the Carlton Union Building and remodeling and redecorating the President's Home. In the School of Music, Dr. James Woodward, dean, has set the date for the Contemporary Music Festival, Jan. 15-22, with the focus on chamber music. The Church Music Workshop, an alternate year event, will now be held annually. This year, Dr. Donald Neuen, Eastman School of Music, is guest lecturer. An Organ Recital Series will be announced soon and Bobby Adams, new assistant professor of music will be directing the University Orchestra and teach music education. In the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Gary Maris, dean, has announced 14 new faculty members. The chemistry department, using a National Science Foundation grant, will begin implementing microscale techniques in laboratory experiments, which could revolutionize chemistry instruction. The Latin American Studies program is being strengthened. In the School of Business Administration, Dr. William Wright, dean, has announced new faculty in the management and marketing areas and a focus on the finance department for course expansion and possible faculty additions. The master of business administration program has been entirely revamped. MBA students now may tailor their program by choosing more electives, and will pay less per credit hour. The Division of Continuing Education, under the direction of Dr. Douglas Strickland, will increase the number of Elderhostel programs, giving Central Florida senior citizens a chance to participate at a reduced "commuter rate." The division also plans a (please see Stetson, page 8)