The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com
Monday, January 27, 2014 -12A
The Mchiga Daiy - mchigadailcom MndayJanury 27 2014..1-
RUBY WALLAU/Daily
University President Mary Sue Coleman looks on as President-elect Mark Schlissel delivers his first speech to the University in the Michigan Union Friday.
University President Mary Sue
Coleman didn't become one of
Time Magazine's 10 best college
presidents overnight.
When Coleman arrived inAnn
Arbor, she faced many hurdles,
as will the University president-
elect Mark Schlissel when he
assumes office this summer.
In her March 2003 inaugura-
tion speech, Coleman addressed
the pending lawsuits against the
University, Gratz v. Bollinger
and Grutter v. Bollinger, cases
that challenged the University's
admissions policies and made
their way to the U.S. Supreme
Court.
That fall, Coleman had to
remain vocal about the Universi-
ty's vision for diversity and affir-
mative action. Coleman also had
to define herself as a prominent
leader, as the first female presi-
dent of the University and one
of only a few females at the time
leading the nation's most presti-
gious universities.
During the reception -'after
her speech, The MichiganDaily
reported Coleman instantlycon-
nected with professors, alumni
and students. People commented
onhowwelcomingand approach-
able Coleman was with everyone
she met.
"She has that personal, direct
feeling for people," former Busi-
ness Prof. Jim Holmes said in a
2003 interview.
But by the next fall, students
were not as impressed.
In a September 2003 edito-
rial, The Daily's editorial staff
criticized Coleman for making no
effort to be active among student
groups, failing to fill key admin-
istrative posts and lacking any
clear ideas for the future of the
University.
"(Coleman) has thus far
been unsuccessful in enhanc-
ing the University's intellec-
tual atmosphere," the editorial
read. "Coleman seems intent on
avoiding controversy that would
challenge both faculty and stu-
dents."
When former University Pres-
ident James Duderstadt entered
his presidency in 1988, he said his
leadership team took pride not
only in keeping the University on
track during the transition, but
also in beginning to make prog-
ress on issues of race relations
and resource allocation.
"I had begun to define and put
into place the key themes that vice president for research
would characterize my adminis- are currently filled by interim
tration: diversity, globalization officials, and University Pro-
and/or evolution into a knowl- vost Pollack's contract lasts
edge-driven society," Duder- only two years, since the new
stadt wrote in his 2007 book, president has the authority to
"The View from the Helm." appoint the provost.
Duderstadt wrote that he was In an October interview with
tasked with pressing matters the Daily, E. Royster Harper,
right away, adding that once his vice president for student life,
presidency was announced he said the leadership team, such
was tasked with mediating any as deans and executive officers,
long-term decisions. must keep the University mov-
"First, there was a very rapid ing forward during the transi-
transfer of power from Har- tion.
old Shapiro to me," Duderstadt "People who are really good at
wrote. "Although Shapiro was what they do - and I think the
determined to serve until the leadership team here is really
end of the year ... anyone either good - know how to keep going
on or off the campus who needed while you recalibrate," Harper
a decision or a commitment that said. "It's kind of like you keep
would last beyond Shapiro's final your eye on the horizon where
months came to me." you're trying to go, realizing that
what comes up on the horizon
Im changes and so then you adjust as
that happens."
a physical presence In an interview Sunday,
Schlissel said he will soon begin
on the campus making a series of visits to cam-
MARK SCHLISSEL pus every few weeks for a couple
of days. He will also speak on the
phone with department chairs,
As the University has awaited deans and executive officers
the selection of the next presi- throughout the transition pro-
dent during the final year of her cess.
term, Coleman has been forced Additionally, Schlissel said
to confront an array of challeng- he has promised to meet with
es that will likely continue into the student government organi-
the next presidency. zations and has plans to engage
On Monday, the Black Student with students across campus.
Union continued their #BBUM "And it's going to take a
campaign with a protest on the while," Schlissel said. "I still
steps of Hill Auditorium, calling have a day job. I'm still the pro-
on the administration to meet vost at Brown. And as a matter
seven demands for improving of personal integrity, I'm going
race relations on campus. to work as hard as I can on
As part of those demands, the behalf of Brown until the end of
group stressed the need for an the semester. That being said,
increase in minority enrollment, I'm certainly going to devote as
a task challenged by Proposal 2, much time as I can preparing
the 2006 Michigan ballot initia- for July when this very large
tive that banned the use of race responsibility becomes mine."
in college admissions just a few He also said he hopes to
years into Coleman's term. host fireside chats and an open
Though Coleman will contin- house once he moves into the
ue to grapple with the botched President's House, in addition
launch of the shared services to meeting students and staff
initiative, the #BBUM campaign at sports events and perfor-
and the $4 billion Victors for mances.
Michigan fundraising campaign "I'm sure that during timeouts
among other challenges, the and half time hopefully I can
new president will likely inherit schmooze with students," Schlis-
a host of unfinished business. sel said. "I'm going to go to per-
Additionally, the next formances and really try to be a
president will likely name physical presence on the campus
candidates for multiple high- as well so there will be a lot of
level University posts. Both informal opportunities to talk to
the position of LSA dean and students." '
University President Mary Sue Coleman at the Michigan men's basketball team's banquet on April10, 2012.
N .w Eels tIRtLANS/Daily
University President Mary Son Coleman speaks at the Victors for Michigan Campaign press conference on Novemher 7,
2013.