This past Saturday, USM held the formal inauguration of its tenth President, Selma Botman.
For me personally, Botman’s inauguration capped a process of installing a new president that has been in the works for over a year.
When I first came to The Free Press last winter, the search for USM’s new administrator-in-chief was just starting in earnest. I watched and reported as the four candidates were named, but reserved passing judgment on the potential presidents.
From my new post, I must admit that I was only just starting to tune in to the day-to-day affairs of the university, but what I saw was not too encouraging. More than anything, I was just ready for someone to take the helm of what I personally saw as a well-intentioned, but disastrously aimless vessel of academia.
Both spring and impending economic collapse were in the air while the search persisted, and I began to worry that without immediate and strong leadership, USM might fall behind in its attempt to restructure itself in a sustainable and positive way.
In trying to be so many things to so many people over it’s long, schizophrenic and multi-monikered existence (from the Gorham Normal School to University of Maine at Portland) USM has diluted itself into a regional university that is seen by many as a second-chance school for southern Maine’s high school students, and transfers.
I know at first blush this seems like a vehemently anti-school spirited attitude to take against one’s soon-to-be alma mater. But in truth, I think everyone has some idea about USM’s reputation in the state. Personally, I don’t even agree with this assessment, but sometimes a reputation can take on a life of its own that spurns facts for opinions, and leaves a venerable institution smeared in its wake.
But with a dynamic and committed faculty, a great setting, and as of Saturday, a President with the strength to lead, and just as importantly – make the hard decisions – USM has all the tools to tear down this negative perception, and through a paring down of it’s offerings and expenditures, the potential to raise its status, and weather this economic downturn.
Now, 11 months later, I finally believe things are starting to move forward in a measured and progressive manner.
I commend President Botman for not shying away from a challenge, and stepping into command at a university so mired in economic and public relations problems.
Though our job at The Free Press entails questioning the actions and motives of the administration – a task we will continue to undertake, regardless of whose hands hold the scissors – I fully realize that this trimming of our services is the only real means by which we can hope to survive in a state hit hard with a recession, and spread thin by a weakened tax-base.
An administrator like Botman is the best any school could ask for. Her commitment to academics was what got her appointed to the position in the first place, and someone who has spent so much time in the classroom, and expanding her field of study has the professor’s perspective that I believe will keep USM firmly on course, and more importantly, keep the quality of academic offerings well protected.
I think USM has huge potential to become a premier regional university, but it will take a careful reassessment of its core structure and organization to do so. Above all, it will take a President who can solicit advice and input, recognize the very real financial constraints, and still have the wherewithal to execute her vision.
From what I’ve seen, Botman is the woman for this job, and I am happy to congratulate her on her inauguration.
Thanks for reading,
Matt Dodge