President John Marshall’s first year marks the start of a new administration, which will fundamentally shape the future of the university.
When going into an unprecedented change, with COVID and new faculty and student leadership, we need someone who knows Colorado Mesa University’s (CMU) past. This is why Marshall was the perfect candidate.
While it is good to get fresh eyes into leadership positions, it is important to keep people who are familiar with the position at the front lines. Marshall led the COVID transition at CMU and is a big reason we are able to be in person. His drive to work with experts outside the university keeps him accountable and shows he is willing to learn.
While it may be beneficial to get new administrators from another university or even outside higher education from an outside perspective, it is better to start them in a lower office than the president. They can bring new ideas and fresh visions to the table without as much pressure.
Jumping into a new place and new job at a campus you are unfamiliar with can put a lot of pressure on a person. It is better to familiarize them with the university before giving them the position that all students see as the face of CMU.
The university runs on every department with many important people behind the scenes, but the president does get the most backlash for university decisions. It is important for CMU to have staff we know we can count on so we can start making greater changes on campus.
As students start to get more involved in university decisions, it is also important to have an administration that is so willing to listen and work with us. The current students at CMU are fundamental in shaping the school for future students.
Marshall has taken the time to meet with students so their voices can be amplified in the decision making.
