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.