Miami University’s President, Dr. David Hodge, gave his annual address to an audience that mostly contained professors, or faculty of the university. Yet, the irony of the audience’s situation was due to the overarching theme of Dr. Hodge’s speech: Miami University must change its culture to be able to adapt to the demands of a turmoil economy and nation. “"Change is no longer an option,” Dr. Hodge declared passionately to his audience, “whether we like it or not, rapid and profound change is coming to higher education" This change, which was only vaguely mentioned in the course of his address, must involve all members of Miami University. Dr. Hodge seems determined to alter and mold the culture of Miami University into a collective group that follows his ideals. If Dr. Hodge is truly determined to alter traditions, to make the university have a new mindset of principles, standards and morals then he needs to appeal to all of the people the make up Miami University. He cannot change every tradition—this will isolate the alumni that are vital to the financial survival of the university.
In addition, Dr. Hodge must consider the possible implications of his determination to change the culture of the university that prides itself in tradition. When I asked a senior professor of The College of Arts and Science, who wished to remain anonymous, about their thoughts on the changes Dr. Hodge has in store for Miami University I was not surprised that they seemed spectacle. “Dr. Hodge has always been a little too idealistic,” they whispered to me, making sure no one could hear their honesty. “[Hodge] needs to realize that many people will not be willing to change the “culture” of Miami. He needs to find a better way to talk about change than attacking tradition.”
"Love and Honor", the ending to Dr. Hodge’s speech, is a tradition that will hopefully not be altered to “Innovation and Execution.”
(Image from Miami University)
Paige,
ReplyDeleteI like the focus you took in this analysis - talking about change, vs. reality, vs. concrete strategies to do just that.
But I do wish you'd outlined in broad-brush strokes the challenges Miami and other public universities face that would prompt Dr. Hodge to call for change.
What is Miami's current budgetary situation? What is the % of state aid the university gets now, vs. 10 years ago? What is Miami's recruitment strategy today, vs. 10 years ago? And are we alone in this situation, or among many colleges taking new approaches?
By identifying the facts, context, history that you believe Dr. Hodge did NOT in this speech, you then show your audience something fresh and new.
He talked a lot about entrepreneurial spirit, and gave some examples of that. You could have worked that in as part of his vision on "change."
Lastly, quoting anonymous people is not professionally accepted unless the reporter's editor is told who the person is to verify relevance and legitimacy.