In order to gain a rounded idea of what STLCC-Meramec and the community is looking for in a president, Narcisa Polonio, Ed.D., chose a “triangulated approach.”
Kurt Oberreither
– Staff Writer –
In order to gain a rounded idea of what STLCC-Meramec and the community is looking for in a president, Narcisa Polonio, Ed.D., chose a “triangulated approach.”
On Nov. 22 Polonio, vice president for research, and the Education and Board Leadership Services at the ACCT hosted two forums to compile a list of important qualifications desired by the Meramec campus and the surrounding community. Later, she met with the search committee members as a way to orient them and outline the presidential profile.
At the second forum, there were numerous committee members, staff, faculty and one student in attendance. Issues ranging from Internet presence to future budget concerns were addressed.
“It was a good exchange,” Polonio said following the forum. “It’s good that people are taking this very seriously.”
After a brief introduction, Polonio turned the meeting over to the attendees to provide a chance for Meramec to express challenges and opportunities for the incoming president to tackle while she took notes on her laptop.
“I would like to have a president that ensures that there’s transparency, communication, and takes advantage of the resources of faculty and staff,” Sophia Pressman, psychology professor at STLCC-Meramec, said to Polonio.
Next, Associate Professor of Information Systems Gary Sibbitts said the president should address Meramec’s reputation.
“We’d like to have higher visibility and be known as a respectable, agile institution,” Sibbitts said.
Steve Brady, manager of campus life, said certain skills should be advertised for campus leadership. “We’re probably not looking for someone on their first stop on their presidential tour. However, I think we would be open to individuals that have a considerable body of high-level administrative experience.”
Staff member Kim Fitzgerald said it’s important that the president knows their responsibilities.
“I’d like to see someone come in who understands the difference between leadership and management,” Fitzgerald said. Furthermore, Gail Heyne Hafer, professor of economics, said that the president should possess a master’s degree in a subject area.
Toward the end of the meeting, Mike Roman, an attending student, said as a tutor, the president should focus on his or her digital presence.
“Why don’t we look at online courses,” Roman said. “There’s a lot of students that come on and don’t get anything out of it.”
Doug Hurst, co-chairman on the search committee, said it was interesting to give staff, faculty and students an opportunity to provide input.
“There’s no doubt that each constituent will have different opinions,” Hurst said.
After the public forums, Polonio met privately with STLCC President Zelema Harris and the search committee. Diane Brietweiser, communications professor and search committee member, said after charge was given and the timeline was overviewed, confidentiality was discussed.
“We can’t talk about anything outside of the committee because that’s not how an effective job search is conducted,” Brietweiser said after the meeting.
According to Brietweiser, each committee member was given a notebook that was collected at the end of the meeting.
Next, the information received from the previous forum was looked at.
“Raw data from the forum was discussed, ideas were tossed around and shaped, but the profile is still in process,” Brietweiser said.
Brietweiser said the next opportunity for the campus to get involved is in February when the applicants are narrowed down.
“At a certain point where everyone comes into play is the open campus forum when candidates come to campus and everyone has a chance to ask them questions,” Brietweiser said.
In closing, Polonio addressed the lack of enthusiasm in the room at the second open public forum.
“I can’t see grumpy faces, you’ve got to get excited,” Polonio said.
According to Polonio, the word “student” wasn’t mentioned until 30 minutes into the meeting. Roman said leadership’s view of students is in how their goals are perceived.
“I feel like if you really listen to what they’re talking about, they have [students] on their minds,” Roman said. “It’s important that good leaders help us understand these things.”
