A recent Cavalier Daily poll regarding administrators’ favorability found approximately 30 percent of students didn’t know enough about University President Teresa Sullivan to have an opinion of her, contrasted with approximately 13 percent of students who said the same for Dean of Students Allen Groves. The poll begs the question: How well should students know their president?
While Sullivan’s interactions may be limited with some groups on Grounds, the polling numbers are not representative of her commitment to students. For many, one of the first memories of officially being a University student is going to Carr’s Hill for ice cream. Sullivan also teaches 21st Century Labor Market, a COLA class, as well as a January term class, showing her interest in getting to know students, even if it’s not in the same way as Groves’ informal approach.
Sullivan’s commitment to students doesn’t necessarily reflect her day to day work, which remains somewhat mysterious to many students. In order to help students better understand her role, her office could send out a regular president’s newsletter, detailing agenda items and University initiatives of which students should be aware. Student groups often look to Sullivan for action, and a newsletter would establish a regular line of communication outside times of crisis. It would also help students understand when it’s productive to call on Sullivan and what tools are at her disposal when they do so.
A University president’s strong presence on Grounds is important because it emphasizes a commitment to being genuinely interested in bettering student affairs, rather than solving a problem when it comes to her desk. The poll doesn’t necessarily speak to a lack of commitment, but it does highlight a clear gap in connection between Sullivan and students, a relationship that is vital for establishing a strong community that serves the needs of all students.
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