The Michigan Daily-Friday, September 5, 1980-Page 5-B MSU's Mackey defends .controversy as 'diversion' EAST LANSING (UPI) - The controversy surrounding his first year at Michigan State University has been a "diver- sion" but not a major problem, MSU President Cecil Mackey said Wednesday. In an interview with UPI, Mackey also vehemently denied he has retaliated against the school's independent-minded alumni association. "I don't think anyone who functions in that style would deserve to hold an office like this," he said. "It would be totally inconsistent with every tenet of my personal and professional philosophy." THE LANKY ALABAMA native took over the reins in East Lansing last year and immediately found himself enveloped in controversy because of his strongleadership style. Mackey's debut year included the departures of both the football coach and athletic director, criticism over the $85,000 spent to remodel his official residence, and the well- publicized feud with alumni in which the organization's head refused Mackey's order to resign. But the MSU president said the controversy has not been a problem for him. "I don't think it's a problem - it's always a diversion when things like this happen," said the blue-eyed administrator. MACKEY AGREED the publicity over the feud with alum- ni has harmed MSU's reputation. But he noted contributions to MSU have not dropped. The president is currently under orders from legislators to clear up the squabble. He said plans were in the works to smooth things over, but would not reveal his method. When Mackey was hired, he apparently fit the bill of the school's board of trustees, which wanted a strong leader in the top job. THE PRESIDENT'S calm, determined style is in direct contrast with the friendly, outgoing, Edgar Hasden, the auto dealer who filled in during the two years following the depar- ture of Clifton Wharton, now president of the New York state university system. Wharton-a member of one of the nation's most prestigious black families-was often at odds with trustees because of his intellectual outlook. But personality will not play a big role in the way he runs MSU, the president said. "I THINK it's a mistake for a person to assume it's desirable to put a strong personal imprint on an institution," he said. His feeling apparently extends to his oak-paneled office, which has only -a paper-cluttered desk, a sofa, and several chairs. The walls are clear of the usual diplomas, photos, and awards which mark a typical executive suite. Like most executives, however, Mackey has distinct goals for the next few years-all of which depend on the shape of Michigan's economy and the priority given higher education funding. He said he wants to improve the quality of MSU's faculty, perhaps luring leaders in various fields to spend a year or two there. Mackey also said a new arena to replace creaking Jenison Fieldhouse would be "desirable" and added he would also like to cut tuition. Mackey . problem not major rjl 1 4 " City study shows fewer residents per apartment v 1Y (Continued from Page 2) divorce rate and decreasing birth rate as possible reasons for this decrease. Bohl said he felt the increase in the percentage of one-person households reflected a fallacy about housing prices in Ann Arbor. "People are always com- *plining that the housing prices are too expensive, but people must be able to afford it, since there are so many one- person households." Bohl also said that this increase was responsible for the tight housing situation among the student com- munity. Preliminary survey results indicate that fewer Ann Arborites are renting their homes than before. The Housing Survey's figure of 52.2 per cent of residents who rent homes compares with the 1970 census figure of 54.8 per cent. Both figures are higher than the 1577 national average of 51 per cent. This story was reprinted from the summer edition of The Daily. Elephants don't forget to read The Daily ... and you shouldn't either! Subscribe Today 764-0558 ON SALE THRU SEPT. 27, 1980 29 599 LP & Tape Every- day Special 99 Price LP & Tope THE CAORS DAVID GRISMAN Includes Dawgma Sea Of Cortez/Bark/eys Bug Whitesnake "RE ADYAN' WILLING" MA S" ~ Tapey Everyday S Quintet'80 FOOL FOR YOUR LOVING SWEET TALKER/SHE'S A WOMAN I Special Price 499 LP & Tape Includes Love Dont Make It Right Weil Meet Again Get Out Your Handkerchief Happy Endings Every- day Price 599 LP& Tape QUEEN The Game 599 LP&$ Tape Every- day - Special Price 99 LP & Tape CHIC cK 599, LP & Tape Everyday BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS Includes Could You Be Loved Coming In FromThe Cold/Work Forever Loving Jah i Uprising I INCLUDES I LOVED YOU MORE I GOT PROTECTION *1 Give the if of music 599 LP& Tape Everyday 599ryape Everyday e r IN 114r, F Y 1%(RECORDS) ff~523 E. Li be rty