2008 Woodie Awards
After ambitious first year, Hodge faces challenges
Issue date: 4/27/07 Section: Editorials
With David Hodge's first year as president of Miami University drawing to an end, he has many accomplishments to reflect upon. Adoption of the Access Initiative, movement toward a new sophomore living requirement, expansion of the For Love and Honor fund-raising campaign's goal and increased communication with students have been hallmarks of Hodge's tenure. Yet, as Hodge plans to shift his focus in the next year, he must not ignore the challenges of following through with his plans and tackling budgetary issues, as well as staying in touch with the Miami community.
Hodge's increased communication efforts have been a noticeable and positive difference on campus. Students know Hodge by name and recognize his face because he has made an earnest effort to learn about the Miami community and understand the institution he leads. Everyone may not agree with specific decisions Hodge has made but everyone can at least respect his sincere effort to immerse himself in the Miami experience. Hodge has revealed his priorities are generally with Miami students. That is a characteristic of a university president to admire - placing student interests first.
Next academic year, Hodge has revealed he will be spending more time outside of Oxford - marketing the university to the outside world. Hodge has already been spending a lot of time in Columbus tackling budgetary issues for Miami, which he finds important with his emphasis of budgetary transparency with the Miami community. While Hodge was successful in his hard work of 70-hour weeks this year, it is imperative that he maintains interaction with students.
Hodge has also been ambitious in raising the goal of the For Love and Honor campaign from $350 million to $500 million - an especially lofty goal because the campaign currently only has $270 million since it began in 2002. Hopefully, Hodge's marketing campaign will be successful in meeting the target of $500 million.
Serious challenges also lie ahead for President Hodge and Miami. Next academic year will be met with a tough budget shortfall that could dictate painful cuts in various areas of Miami. And despite Hodge's positive image, it is his job to approve those tough decisions. Hodge needs to master a balancing act between marketing the university and keeping a presence on campus. Ultimately, Hodge cannot lose the momentum he built with his first year on the job.
Hodge's increased communication efforts have been a noticeable and positive difference on campus. Students know Hodge by name and recognize his face because he has made an earnest effort to learn about the Miami community and understand the institution he leads. Everyone may not agree with specific decisions Hodge has made but everyone can at least respect his sincere effort to immerse himself in the Miami experience. Hodge has revealed his priorities are generally with Miami students. That is a characteristic of a university president to admire - placing student interests first.
Next academic year, Hodge has revealed he will be spending more time outside of Oxford - marketing the university to the outside world. Hodge has already been spending a lot of time in Columbus tackling budgetary issues for Miami, which he finds important with his emphasis of budgetary transparency with the Miami community. While Hodge was successful in his hard work of 70-hour weeks this year, it is imperative that he maintains interaction with students.
Hodge has also been ambitious in raising the goal of the For Love and Honor campaign from $350 million to $500 million - an especially lofty goal because the campaign currently only has $270 million since it began in 2002. Hopefully, Hodge's marketing campaign will be successful in meeting the target of $500 million.
Serious challenges also lie ahead for President Hodge and Miami. Next academic year will be met with a tough budget shortfall that could dictate painful cuts in various areas of Miami. And despite Hodge's positive image, it is his job to approve those tough decisions. Hodge needs to master a balancing act between marketing the university and keeping a presence on campus. Ultimately, Hodge cannot lose the momentum he built with his first year on the job.
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