| Broder’s speech highlights year of
accomplishments BY MIKE UNGER
Photo by Jeff Watts
Interim Provost Ivy Broder |
Interim Provost Ivy Broder delivered the annual address to the faculty Wednesday, focusing on “the individuals who make our university great, and the successes we’ve enjoyed as a community.” Speaking in the Abramson Family Recital Hall, Broder examined AU’s accomplishments through the prism of her office, while answering a question she hears frequently: So what’s a provost anyway? “I certainly didn’t know the answer when I came to AU 32 years ago as an assistant professor straight out of graduate school,” she said. “One proud former provost, Milton Greenberg, once quipped that it was the faculty’s job to think and the president’s job to make speeches, and it was his job to make sure that the president didn’t think and the faculty didn’t give speeches. I love Milt’s answer, but since I have to make a speech today, I think it’s important to be a little more substantive.” Broder revealed her schedule for the week of Jan. 29, detailing a busy five days packed with meetings and time for little else. She visited with CAS dean Kay Mussell, in part to discuss the search for a new university librarian, who could be named soon. She met with SIS dean Louis Goodman to discuss planning for the school’s new building, and to talk about new joint degree programs. “SIS and SOC have developed a joint master’s degree in international communications,” Broder said. “There’s been a cultural shift at the university. In times past I think many, if not most, people would characterize the relationship between the schools and colleges as competitive. Today the schools and colleges emphasize collaboration. They are developing joint programs. In the past two years we’ve developed 10 new programs, minors, and certificates involving more than one school or college. One that I’m particularly proud of is the new certificate in nonprofit management that is a cooperative effort of all five schools and colleges.” During this winter week Broder also worked on student retention. “Although AU’s retention rate, especially from first to second year, has been increasing, there’s still work to do,” she said. “In fall 2005 I assembled a university-wide retention working group. Next week we are hosting two visitors from Syracuse University, the vice president of student affairs and the former provost, who have established a very successful retention program. They will be spending a whole day on campus to discuss how their program works, and I hope many of you will participate in these programs.” Broder also met with dean of academic affairs Haig Mardirosian. Among the items on their agenda was the hiring of new faculty. “I’d like to take this opportunity to brag about the new faculty we will welcome to campus this fall,” Broder said. “These 27 new colleagues include experienced teachers and scholars. This surely promises to be one of the most accomplished and most exciting faculty cohorts ever at AU.” Over the course of the week, Broder dealt with more than two dozen issues pertaining to virtually all aspects of academic life at AU. “During a week like this my mantra is simply ‘stay healthy,’” Broder said. “Well that’s one mantra anyway. Is there a more significant one that can link these many meetings, e-mails, and paperwork? The answer must be advancing the institution through its faculty, and attracting strong students. Every decision, resource allocation, faculty hire, and recruitment trip is made with this in mind. “Our opening the doors to opportunity for all, our commitment to issues of gender and diversity and dignity and access, these are the qualities that make AU what it is and what it will be.” |
