By Andra Bryan Stefanoni
news@joplinglobe.com
PITTSBURG, Kan. — The last meeting of his first day on campus as president of Pittsburg State University was what Steve Scott called “the best part” of his job.
After a day that included a summit with community leaders, elected officials, public-school administrators and key university personnel; a congratulatory phone call from U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback; and a luncheon with university supporters, Scott said he was happiest to sit down with students and hear their concerns.
Scott took off his suit coat and settled in Thursday among a dozen students sipping coffee and soda on couches in the Student Center for a chat about the issues of importance to them.
As selected representatives of the Student Government Association, Students in Free Enterprise, student ambassadors, the Crimson Club, the Pre-Med Club and the Recreation Center, several of them posed what Scott acknowledged were challenging questions that occasionally made him “squirm.”
They asked him about tuition, student fees and construction projects, among other things.
But Scott said he appreciated the difficult questions, because they show that the students care about their university.
Being among students is a theme that former PSU President Tom Bryant said Scott maintained throughout his role as provost and vice president, often in such ways as guest lecturing in speech classes and working in the automotive technology labs alongside undergraduates.
Throughout the day Thursday, Scott spoke of his desire to maintain that theme: Students are the focus, and he wants to be among them.
Scott said he remembers what it is like to be a student at PSU, having started in the fall of 1970 after graduating from Baxter Springs High School. He told the student group that he remembers flunking the first general biology test he took at PSU and thinking it was the end of the world.
Scott did not gloss over the funding issues that PSU faces, telling students it is one of the most challenging economic times anyone who didn’t live through the Great Depression can remember. He asked them to have patience, keep a long-term view, go to class and do their homework as ways to make a difference — adding as an afterthought that they also should wear seat belts, not smoke, and walk on a trail when they can.
Jason Landrum, a business student, said he appreciated the way Scott tried to relate to the students informally with humor and thoughtfulness. He suggested that Scott form a Presidents Club, composed of student presidents of campus organizations, to meet in a similar fashion on a regular basis.
“I’m proud of the university,” Landrum said. “I think even in these times, it’s done what it can to keep students first.”
Transition
The PSU campus has seen several transitions this week. Lynette Olson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, moved into Scott’s former job as provost. English department chairman Stephen Meats succeeded Olson as dean. Celia Patterson, English professor, succeeded Meats in the department leadership post.
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