EKU convocation message includes focus on academics, facilities, funding, and joy
Originally published by WEKU.
In preparation for the start of another fall semester, a large group of Eastern Kentucky University faculty and staff gathered in the Center for the Arts. The annual event often includes references to current and future endeavors.
The EKU Steel Drum Band set the scene with two selections before President David McFaddin offered remarks. McFaddin began by reporting the incoming freshman class next week will be the biggest ever. He covered lots of issues including on-campus budgeting, a different focus in general education, and an annual $10 million or more private giving campaign. McFaddin also said efficient square footage use on campus will necessitate some building demolition.
“Perhaps that can get personal because there are places on this campus that have been here a long time, but they may have outlived their useful life, so we’ve got to figure out do they have another purpose or is there a way to keep that legacy going in a more useful and thoughtful way,” said McFaddin.
Although some structures will, in time, come down the president of the Richmond school says new construction is also part of the plan. And McFaddin says proposals will be sought for an on-campus motel convention center project.
Among those attending was Melissa Cozart from the EKU Counseling Center. She said mental health issues faced by students result in a greater need for resources.
“Thankfully we haven’t gotten more of those resources and what I mean is like, staff, we’ve had more additions and we have a new internship program that’s really exciting that’s bringing in more help for us,” said Cozart.
Cozart said the more people assisting in the Counseling Center means helping more students and lessening wait time in between appointments.
Stacia Cook-McCoy, from the College of Stem in the Dean’s Office said McFaddin is dedicated to connecting with faculty, staff, and students.
“He has in his own experience and he wants to bring the joys of his experience to everybody here. And he really came across very well with that,” said Cook-McCoy.
And taking a page out of author Stephen Covey’s book, Covey who spoke at Eastern earlier this year, McFaddin concluded his remarks with a focus on “joy” and how that can, in itself, breed success on a higher education campus. Classes begin Monday at Eastern Kentucky University.
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Originally published by WEKU.
Republished with permission.
