In January, the Daily Egyptian Editorial Board listed the qualities it considered to be essential in a chancellor. Those qualities included:a recognition that students are the blood of SIUC; the ability to work with the faculty union to reach an agreement; recognition and respect for SIUC and Southern Illinois’ history; and a need to balance research and student concerns.

Frederick Dobney met those requirements. His address at the student forum showed character and a vision of the future for SIUC.

Dobney recognizes SIUC is a problem institution. Problems such as recruitment and retention, shared governance and student voice are priority topics at SIUC. Dobney has a history of working with problem institutions and achieving positive results. Fixing these problems would improve and increase the number of students.

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Another problem at SIUC is low faculty morale. Dobney’s candor and straight-forwardness would boost those attitudes.

Although Dobney was not supportive of faculty unions in general, he did understand why SIUC faculty unionized. He boldly stated the problems would have been fixed if he had been present at SIUC and also expressed a willingness to work with the union to improve faculty salaries.

Those bold statements indicate a willingness to make changes, as well as a personality that is honest and straightforward, traits that will carry over if he is chosen. Although the statements are impressive, if chosen, Dobney must be willing to back up and carry out such ideas and not get swept under by administrative pressures.

Dobney also stood out with his willingness to scale down bureaucracy at SIUC. He said the University has too many captains and not enough privates in its leadership. These statements may not win him approval with administrators, but it shows a dedication to improving SIUC and helping students.

Helping students seemed important to Dobney. He wants a written contract between the administration and students about students’ rights. Such a contract would decrease confusion and improve the relationship between the two. A contract also would help when dealing with situations such as Select 2000 and athletic fee increases.

Along with a commitment to students, Dobney has good ideas and background in the area of raising money. He was part of a plan to raise $100 million dollars at Michigan Technological University. He proposed ways to raise money to provide more scholarships and stipends, which would free up federal funds in other areas, like technological advancement.

The other three candidates were respectable, but each had flaws in the eyes of the board. Jo Ann Argersinger’s unrealistic goal of continuing to teach while acting as chancellor gave the appearance she was not quite ready for the consuming commitment required by the chancellor position.

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Luis Proenza thought nationally, but his idea that student retention was not his responsibility damaged his standing.

Scott McNall also had good ideas, but his demeanor projected the impression he would not stand up for students under pressure from the SIU Board of Trustees.

Dobney’s candor and ability to speak his mind may not always be popular, but it will get things done. Improvement starts from within, and Dobney is willing to begin renovation.