I agree that it is good that Pres. Konkol seems to emphasize communicating. He sent an email to alumni today as well.
He will need to move quickly beyond the "we need prayers" type of communication (which was the essence of today's email to alumni). Very soon, his communications will need to include: key objectives and how they will be measured, decisions, key initiatives, and performance.
I was genuinely inspired by the tone he set. And yes, I am still the "realist."
In terms of the nitty gritty, the budget season will force the specific spending decisions for 26-27 by March-April. More importantly the board will want to align an overall 3-5 year vision and short-term solvency. Balancing a compelling vision and marking concrete measurable growth will be a balancing act. But the great ones can do it.
I agree that it is good that Pres. Konkol seems to emphasize communicating. He sent an email to alumni today as well.
He will need to move quickly beyond the "we need prayers" type of communication (which was the essence of today's email to alumni). Very soon, his communications will need to include: key objectives and how they will be measured, decisions, key initiatives, and performance.
He's trying to create a new culture whereby stakeholders are excited about VU's future and want to be a part of it. The "we need prayers" messaging is part of trying to reconnect with a faith-based cohort of alums who may have felt left out of things. After all, we all know that thoughts & prayers are no substitute for generous alumni giving and word-of-mouth enthusiasm that VU is "back." 
Believe me, as a non-Lutheran whose own time in the Chapel was similar to a walk-on's time on the b-ball court, I still understand the need for Pres. Konkol to strengthen those connections and build good will.
Objectives come next, and which eventually yield measurables. But talking about measurables at the outset sounds like the same kind of tired management edu-speak that leaves people uninspired. Getting stakeholders excited makes successful outcomes more likely. The results flow from culture, mission, objectives, and implementation.
@david81 - Excellent, you got me inspired on a Friday! as someone in industry for 42 years and seeing the increasing lack of establishing a culture for success at the employee, customer and shareholder levels, your comment was brilliant. To reach objectives, you need to influence and thoroughly understand the problem. It is more than applying kaizen and six sigma tools for automatic success.
@david81 - Excellent, you got me inspired on a Friday! as someone in industry for 42 years and seeing the increasing lack of establishing a culture for success at the employee, customer and shareholder levels, your comment was brilliant. To reach objectives, you need to influence and thoroughly understand the problem. It is more than applying kaizen and six sigma tools for automatic success.
@usc4valpo Thanks much! My optimism about Pres. Konkol is grounded in what I perceive to be his understanding of how VU can create space to thrive in the current higher ed environment. It's like he's been watching the school from afar and keeping mental notes on how one might embrace this opportunity. And like O.P. Kretzmann, he seems to have this cool blend of parochialism (Protestant version LOL) and cosmopolitanism (in his case, a lot of time spent studying and working globally, plus experience at a respected research university).
Any word on when President Konkol will be officially installed?
We'll have to wait a while. Just announced for September 25 as part of Homecoming weekend.
I must say I am excited. Just aesthetically and from all the vibes I am hearing, he is a sports fan, he is nerdy cool, and he just generally seems to be a reincarnation of Orville O. P. K. Redenbacher.
That's not sarcasm. It's a genuine gut feeling. So I am parking my realism (cynicism) until fall 2027 and jumping on the ride. Let's go! I have always loved the concept of Valpo.
Pres. Konkol may have his first controversy to address with what might be another unforced error and public relations misstep by the university. Indiana's Lt. Governor has challenged VU in a public statement today:
"Last week, Turning Point USA was denied having a chapter on the campus of Valparaiso University for allegedly being too 'partisan.' After comparing the Turning Point USA mission statement with those of other student organizations already on campus, I think Valparaiso owes us all an explanation." He cites Alliance and the Muslim Student Association as organizations accepted at VU and quotes their mission statements, then lists TPUSA as rejected for its mission statement, which appears no more partisan than the others: "To identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government."
This is already being circulated among VU alums (a couple forwarded the statement to me) as evidenced by a comment at Valparaiso University's Facebook page: "As an alumnus of VU, a Lutheran university, I am surprised and dismayed that VU rejected a TPUSA Chapter at the university, yet allows Alliance and Muslim Student Association chapters on the campus. Respectfully, I believe the alumni deserve an explanation."
This is a hamfisted attempt at smearing Valpo and I’m surprised that alumni are falling for it. I thought a Valpo education would have taught critical thinking skills.
It appear that the Lt Gov is complaining that TPUSA isn’t receiving direct support from the university, when the student organization manual clears states VU doesn’t endorse or support any politician, political group, or party.
It’s clear that TPUSA had a chapter at VU previously so it’s not as though the group was banned from campus. This is just astroturfed outrage.
I hope Konkol stays out of this one, honestly. Padilla got in the mud with Todd Rokita, but that involved official requests from the state. (Illegitimate and misrepresented, but still official.)
This lieutenant governor is a partisan cretin. Muslim faith is not a partisan issue. Human sexuality is not a partisan issue. I would bet good money that the group wasn’t blocked or rejected; I just bet that some outside agitator couldn’t find a faculty member to extort into forming a group that students have already allowed to die on the vine (if it’s true that Valpo had one before and does no longer).
The Indiana Lt. Governor's job must not be very demanding if he spends time worrying about something like this.
Kreitzer is absolutely right that Pres. Konkol needs to stay out of things like this.
TPUSA is a heavily partisan organization. I understand completely not wanting a chapter on campus. Especially since TPUSA has their fair share of controversies, especially within the state of Indiana. I agree with MJO8 here and am surprised alums are falling for this obvious attempt at a ham-fisted smear.
This isn't an "unforced error" or a "misstep" the school does not want controversial organizations on campus. This is in the same breath as the former Confucius institute
a comment at Valparaiso University's Facebook page: "As an alumnus of VU, a Lutheran university, I am surprised and dismayed that VU rejected a TPUSA Chapter at the university, yet allows Alliance and Muslim Student Association chapters on the campus. Respectfully, I believe the alumni deserve an explanation."
I find it hysterical that the lady who posted this used the male “alumnus” instead of the female “alumna.” Then on her own page, she is demanding that people call the Guild, which is a volunteer association of parents and older alumni who have no policy jurisdiction.
It’s also deplorable for these hacks to commandeer a post about Ash Wednesday to do some good ole fashioned virtue-signaling. VU should mute these clowns and carry on.
Do any universities sponsor TPUSA?
