Interim President Dickson, Provost Airey and Dean Chalmers addressed budget cuts, new programs and the upcoming presidential transition, among other issues.
On March 25, the Student Government Association hosted the State of the University, featuring Interim President Rick Dickson, Provost Jennifer Airey, and Dean of Students Debbie Chalmers. The administrators responded to various student posed questions concerning the university’s current condition and goals for the upcoming school year.
Finances emerged as a major issue. Airey acknowledged, “we made a lot of mistakes with the budget,” adding that members of the administration “now know what we’re doing and won’t make them again next year. … I’ve heard repeatedly it’s not that bad, and that’s pretty good.” When asked about the noticeable shrinkage of large campus events, Dickson said that this year, cost-cutting efforts were focused on obvious reductions, but future decisions would be difficult. “We’ve made a number of expense reductions this year that were very low hanging fruit, obvious type things,” Dickson stated. “Now there’s not as much fruit hanging.” He implied that the cuts would impact administration and emphasized student-facing areas as a priority. “I don’t think [future cuts] will impact your experience.”
Airey confirmed that academic programs are currently under review, though no final decisions have been made, stating, “we’re in conversations with departments about certain programs. Nothing would be cut without faculty involvement.” Curriculums with low enrollment are most at risk.
However, Airey suggested that long-term stability was not possible through cuts alone and would benefit from new academic opportunities. She listed several new programs, including a partnership between business and sports analytics and a new artificial intelligence curriculum, which would allow students to combine AI coursework with engineering degrees. This curriculum is especially relevant now as Airey acknowledged that faculty was unsure and inconsistent in their AI handling in the classroom. “It’s totally the Wild West right now,” she said. “Some faculty are using it in very interesting ways.” To address the inconsistencies, the university has formed a faculty-student group, which includes SGA President Kadee Jo Ransom, aimed at creating clearer guidelines.
Chalmers also made sure to emphasize student well-being in her answers. “What we’re trying to focus on right now is caring for one another, taking accountability for your actions … learn from your mistakes and move forward.” The university has expanded support services. Chalmers said that administration hired a new mental health counselor and expressed a hope for a future mental health fair “to help students recognize mental health issues and how they can combat that.”
The panel also addressed the university’s upcoming presidential transition. After joking about being “fired,” Dickson expressed strong confidence in the incoming president Stacy Leeds, stating, “[Leeds] is going to be a wonderful asset for our university. She has not only a wonderful degree of accomplishments, but a heart and soul for this university.” Airey noted that leadership transitions often bring change but that the scope remains unclear, especially with faculty roles. “Most times when a president comes in, they want to pick their people,” she said. “It might be that we bond and everything’s great … or that might not be the case. … I don’t know.”
The panel discussed external pressures, including immigration policy. It was noted that visa restrictions and evolving immigrant regulations have impacted international graduate enrollment. Airey stressed that the university is monitoring developments closely.
On issues of campus expression, the administration affirmed their commitment to free speech — within institutional guidelines. “We encourage free speech,” Airey explained, “but the institution itself … is not going to take a specific position … we maintain a position of institutional neutrality.”
Despite ongoing challenges, the panel pointed to student engagement as a key asset. Airey highlighted collaboration with SGA, saying that SGA has been “really instrumental in communicating your concerns to me … that’s really been valuable.” The event concluded after almost an hour.
