Dining with students
As opposed to being in a dining room with his usual piece of toast and glass of orange juice, Utah State University President Stan Albrecht sat down Tuesday morning to the breakfast that marked the beginning of his presidency.
Albrecht made his first act as university president to meet informally with members of the Associated Students of USU Executive Council over a pancake and egg breakfast in the Taggart Student Center Center Colony room.
Accompanied by his wife Joyce, associate vice president for university advancement, Stan said he hopes this breakfast would not just be symbolic, but indicative about his students-first priorities.
“I hope you will understand this is what we’re all about,” he said.
To acquaint herself with the ASUSU members, Joyce said she wants students to realize she is here as a resource and is looking forward to working with students.
“Please let me know how I can help you make this USU experience better for the students,” Joyce said to the attending ASUSU Executive Council members.
Keeping the atmosphere informal, Stan emphasized a few of his goals for his presidency.
During the announcement naming Stan as the 15th president of USU two weeks ago, Stan listed 10 of his priorities. Among those listed, Stan said five of them focus on the students.
Following the students-first priority, Stan said academics will continue to be stressed.
When thinking about USU in contrast to other large, research universities, Stan said he has a “tremendous sense of pride.”
Thirdly, to maintain an academic focus, Stan said he is going to “work really hard to . . . attract and retain faculty.”
Instituting an open-door policy is important, Stan said.
He said he would like to engage the study body in open forums to offer the opportunity for those students to voice their concerns about such issues as Tier II tuition, the shuttle bus and parking.
“We want to do everything we can to engage you in the process,” Stan said. “We will work very hard to deal with your frustrations and your concerns.”
Remembering on his childhood, Stan said he grew up in a large family on a farm in Utah where money was tight, but said he still had access to an education.
“I’m a first generation student,” he said. “I believe very, very deeply that education is the [best answer] for a troubled world.”
With his love for education, Stan said he would like to see USU accessible for all students who are prepared and have a desire to acquire a higher education.
In attendance with his wife, Vice President for Student Services Juan Franco said he is excited Stan’s first meeting as USU president was with the students. ASUSU President Les Essig agreed with Franco
“On behalf of the students, we are very, very fortunate to have Stan as our president,” said Les Essig, ASUSU president. “I was thrilled and overjoyed to hear students on that list.”
-kcashton@cc.usu.edu
Joyce Albrecht introduces herself during a breakfast meeting with students Tuesday. (Photo by Ryan Talbot)