They had a lot to say about what they expected in the next president of the university. Kentuckians across the Commonwealth from Ashland to Paducah, and those who are the students, staff and faculty of the University were unanimous in their appreciation for the opportunity to be heard. Never before has a search been taken to the people for direct input. Hopefully, the door of the University will always be open to the opinions and advice of the citizens of the Commonwealth. Here are some of their ideas.
Agriculture is still the king.
Despite slumping market prices and the instability of the tobacco market, citizens expect the land-grant institution to continue to play a major role in finding answers to tough questions. The new president will have to be well versed in the important and very demanding issues of agriculture, including the equine industry, as well as an understanding and appreciation of the land-grant mission and its extension even beyond agriculture. Citizens want a better university for their children and grandchildren. They want a president who cares about students, is available to students, who interacts with campus life, and who is a people person. The president, they insist, must set the tone of inclusiveness in an increasingly multi-cultural world.