Lots of good discussion. Lots of people who care about Valpo. People who have different day-to-day experiences.
I'd like President Konkol to focus "Excellence". Excellence in academics. Excellence in faith life and service. Excellence in sports (yes, having a good Men's BBall team attracts students-my kids, who went to Lutheran schools K-12, chose Butler and Dayton, and a big part of their college experience took place at basketball games). Excellent experiences.
It's far less about focusing on "left" or "right" philosophies, and focusing on performing really, really well in all facets of the college experience.
I think he will be that kind of leader...with a slight framing that it will be excellence built around a core set of values that are strong fit with the university's overall mission.
Maybe I'm letting my hopes read too many positive traits into this guy, but already he's sounding more and more like someone I believed VU badly needed but that I had doubts actually existed.
I think he's planting the seeds for a productive honeymoon period that could help to restore morale within the university and generate support for the university, including financial contributions.
Someone on twitter had a observation that is quite interesting Rev, Konkol is the spitting image of one Orville Redenbacher. Now, that probably means nothing as to how good of a leader he could be, but it is something I found interesting
I think he's planting the seeds for a productive honeymoon period that could help to restore morale within the university and generate support for the university, including financial contributions.
THIS! Spot on, David. There seems to be a general malaise across the campus - students and faculty going through the motions without any enthusiam about much. This guy can turn things around. That change can boost applications, student activism, and…. even….. attendance at sporting events. I am on board
And I’m not talking charismatic, revival tent leadership here. Just basic, believable, understandable vibes that inspire good things
Interview with Rev. Konkol in The Torch. Consistent themes, acknowledgement of challenges:
https://www.valpotorch.com/news/article_09d42d29-84d2-4fa8-a543-8e5ee08dd849.html
When we were speculating about the presidential search, I brought up how the Valpo community was instantly energized by O.P. Kretzmann's arrival and his opening speech about what VU could become. (Read Richard Baepler's excellent history of VU, Flame of Faith, Lamp of Learning, for more of that story.) I said that's the kind of person VU needs at this critical juncture of its history.
It's rare for a university president to have that kind of initial impact. In fact, a new prez often is greeted with caution. And during this difficult era for higher ed, downright fear is an understandable response to a new leader.
I am convinced that new university presidents who use the language of abundance and possibility, rather than the language of scarcity and limitations, will set the right tone for success. Of course, deeds and actions must soon start to accompany those words, or else the positive messaging quickly feels empty.
It starts by raising hopes and expectations, and in many cases restoring morale to a place that has taken various hits and blows. While fear can be a motivator in the short term, people generally don't do their best work when they're scared and resentful.
In this competitive environment for students and support, some universities will succeed on terms consistent with long-held values and distinct mission. VU has a chance to be one of those schools.
Rev. Konkol does seem to be setting a precedent for presence. I recall that Padilla was everywhere when he started, but he seemed to shrink from the spotlight as his tenure went on. You don’t want the perception of an absentee president.
Konkol was inside the locker room celebrating with the team following the win against CCSJ. I don't recall Padilla ever being in the locker room for a W celebration unless it was arch.
Paul Oren did his normally great writing in part 2 of his coverage of our new President. If you aren't a subscriber, shame on you! I'm guessing Paul and the President-elect are essentially classmates at different schools and both are Wisconsin guys! A natural connection!
Job #1 is to get the fundraising done for the new nursing/health sciences building. It's been 10 years since construction started on a new facility. The new building will energize the campus and help with the perception held by some that VU's best days are in the past.
Paul
Job #1 is to get the fundraising done for the new nursing/health sciences building. It's been 10 years since construction started on a new facility. The new building will energize the campus and help with the perception held by some that VU's best days are in the past.
Paul
I agree that is the #1 priority, but it is a pretty big objective. Would recommend that be coupled with a shorter term objective (e.g., increase yoy annual donations by 10 percent) to show more immediate wins.
nursing building needs to be the #1 priority. Especially since you save on cost of construction as the plot is still hooked up to city power/utilities from the old Broadway Betting Association
If they can commit and complete the nursing and sciences building, this would be a tangible accomplishment and investment to the university. I guess my question is if we can be smart and fiscally responsible in building a quality facility we can be proud of and can sufficiently compliment the program.
I am getting very good vibes from this president and fully agree with David81 that a mentality of abundance can rally donors. If he can hit the ground running, he can get some solid core money from our "believers" and board etc to fortify the budget for a year or two.
That buys time to raise really large core pledges for a nursing building. It will take 18-24 months because it's like a venture capitalist considering investing in a failing debt-ridden company. As the company leader, you may be visionary, but you need to lay out some realistic 6, 12, and 18-month benchmarks and hit them first before the investor type donors will invest big money.
Although there is recent controversy surrounding Franciscian in Crown Point. The medical field is growing and will continue to grow in NWI. I would be shocked if there were not willing donors in the local community who would be willing to fund a project. The big hang up on funding I have seen is that many people saw the negative press Padilla generated and simply didnt want to be a part of the fallout.
All in all Konkol has been handed a golden opportunity to turn the ship around.
Recent involvement of key donors (Athletics/CONHP)
Growing industry of core Valpo degrees
I spoke with Padilla at Homecoming. He has been actively seeking an investment partner in the form of a medical company to occupy and operate part of the facility. Obviously, U of Chicago would be the first obvious choice but he said that if they weren’t interested in investing he was ready to move on to the next interested party. Enough to say that there is lots of things going on behind the scenes.
