2008 Woodie Awards
President Vailas looks back on first year at ISU
Steven Glenn
Issue date: 4/25/07 Section: News
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"We have decided to purchase the entire ERP system from Banner, so we don't have to piece-meal it together," Vailas commented further.
"As I say that…know that we have exhausted all of the reserves at ISU," said President Vailas, "What reserves we had we put into the purchase of the ERP system. We have put a hold on some positions until we are a bit more stable, but I decided to put more money in the pockets of the faculty and staff."
Vailas said that when he took over, it was a common practice that when there is a deficit, that departments took money out of reserves to cover it. Now there is a great deal of accountability. Vailas said that the university is taking a hard look at programs that have had a problem recruiting and retaining students.
"It is in question if we should continue those programs that have a long history of enrollment problems," said Vailas, "That is a problem that students, faculty, and staff will help us decide."
Vailas said that there are only two of the original top administration that are going to remain at ISU, and searches for others, including various deans and department heads is still underway.
"Those who have left or decided they wanted to go back to teaching are all voluntary," said Vailas, alluding to the Kijinski 'scandal' of this past semester. "This administration didn't go after anyone. I stated in my first speech at ISU that I wasn't going to be a hatchet man. I gave administrators the opportunity to be leaders and to get the job done. Some have decided they didn't want do it, and have pursued other opportunities."
When asked what the biggest challenge for this year, Vailas said that improving communication and creating an accountability profile was at the top of the list.
"The previous culture at ISU didn't foster good communication, and trying to get faculty, staff, and students to be a part of the solution, instead of blaming the administration was particularly difficult," Vailas said.
He continued, stating that things aren't perfect, but they are better.
Looking to the coming year, Vailas expressed excitement about having conversations on improving the presence of ISU in Idaho Falls and the Treasure Valley, which include more full time faculty and staff.
Vailas said he is also looking forward to his first spring commencement.
When asked if he had any final words for the students as they head into the final weeks of the school year, Vailas became thoughtful. "I wish for all the students to be safe, caring and committed to others."
"As I say that…know that we have exhausted all of the reserves at ISU," said President Vailas, "What reserves we had we put into the purchase of the ERP system. We have put a hold on some positions until we are a bit more stable, but I decided to put more money in the pockets of the faculty and staff."
Vailas said that when he took over, it was a common practice that when there is a deficit, that departments took money out of reserves to cover it. Now there is a great deal of accountability. Vailas said that the university is taking a hard look at programs that have had a problem recruiting and retaining students.
"It is in question if we should continue those programs that have a long history of enrollment problems," said Vailas, "That is a problem that students, faculty, and staff will help us decide."
Vailas said that there are only two of the original top administration that are going to remain at ISU, and searches for others, including various deans and department heads is still underway.
"Those who have left or decided they wanted to go back to teaching are all voluntary," said Vailas, alluding to the Kijinski 'scandal' of this past semester. "This administration didn't go after anyone. I stated in my first speech at ISU that I wasn't going to be a hatchet man. I gave administrators the opportunity to be leaders and to get the job done. Some have decided they didn't want do it, and have pursued other opportunities."
When asked what the biggest challenge for this year, Vailas said that improving communication and creating an accountability profile was at the top of the list.
"The previous culture at ISU didn't foster good communication, and trying to get faculty, staff, and students to be a part of the solution, instead of blaming the administration was particularly difficult," Vailas said.
He continued, stating that things aren't perfect, but they are better.
Looking to the coming year, Vailas expressed excitement about having conversations on improving the presence of ISU in Idaho Falls and the Treasure Valley, which include more full time faculty and staff.
Vailas said he is also looking forward to his first spring commencement.
When asked if he had any final words for the students as they head into the final weeks of the school year, Vailas became thoughtful. "I wish for all the students to be safe, caring and committed to others."
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