As the world becomes more of a global village, colleges and universities will have to offer, their students and faculty experiences that encompass an international perspective. We must upgrade our computer systems and our telecommunications networks for academic and administrative uses. The University is not just defined by its faculty, students, staff, and curriculum. Athletic activities, both varsity and intramural, can be improved. Historically the close interaction between faculty and students has been one of the strengths of Tarleton.
Faculty are more than just instructors.
They are also role models, mentors, friends, and colleagues to their students. It has been said that when designing the campus of the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson put a great deal of emphasis on the layout of the campus because he believed the physical surroundings would profoundly affect the academic nature of the institution. I completely agree with that perspective. A university should be an academic village where the physical environment is not only a reflection of the spirit of its people, but also a source of inspiration to learn. I place a high priority on generating the resources and support to allow us to improve continually the quality and safety of our physical environment, not only the facilities, but the aesthetics of the University including cleanliness, placement of trees and shrubbery, grooming of our grounds, and landscaping of our terrain.