Governor urges college and university trustees to focus leadership on improving student success

Governor Mitch Daniels told board members of the state’s public colleges and universities gathered at the first Trustees Academy that their role has never been as critical as it is today.

“If you want Indiana to be a great place, you’re exactly where you ought to be,” said the governor, delivering the morning keynote address at the daylong event titled Challenges and Opportunities: The Fiscal Responsibilities of Trustees. “We want you to be enthusiastic, but you’re not there to be a mindless cheerleader. Please work on how to use the money you have for the maximum educational success of every student. That’s what we’re asking you to do.”

Daniels said trustees must be a part of change in higher education that leads to improvements in the state’s educational workforce readiness and the changing student population.

The governor said the transformation should include some differentiation of missions among colleges and universities; measuring and rewarding results, and improving operational efficiency.

“We want to see an Indiana where there is a place for every student, but not every student can go every place,” said Daniels.

Audio of the governor’s remarks may be found at this link: http://www.in.gov/gov/files/Press/083010.mp3

Video of the remarks will be available at this link after 4:30 p.m.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn-3xxvfCC4