2008 Woodie Awards
What are you afraid of Richmond?
Editorial
Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: The Future of Humboldt State
We at The Lumberjack are concerned with accessibility to President Rollin Richmond. We have repeatedly attempted to interview the president, and have been routinely denied due to his busy schedule. Although we have been told that reporters can e-mail questions to Richmond, interviews are out of the question.
If Richmond can't take 15 minutes out of his time to be interviewed by the press, how likely is he to take 15 minutes to talk with students? Sure, Associated Student representatives have access to Richmond, but can any student knock on his door and have a chat? Can a reporter?
We understand presidents are busy people. So are students. That does not justify him not taking the time to talk with the media. Richmond, as the administrative face of this institution, should make the time available. How can journalists accurately investigate and report the decisions that affect the university if its leader won't make the time to chat?
This is the tip of the iceberg; the real issue at hand here is over information control at this university. Is Richmond so afraid of students that he chooses to bunker down and hide in his office at Siemens Hall? This is not the way to address student concerns.
This only fuels fire to the sentiment expressed by many on campus that Richmond is inaccessible, not transparent and ultimately, not a good leader. Good leaders make time to talk. Good leaders make time to listen.
If Richmond can't take 15 minutes out of his time to be interviewed by the press, how likely is he to take 15 minutes to talk with students? Sure, Associated Student representatives have access to Richmond, but can any student knock on his door and have a chat? Can a reporter?
We understand presidents are busy people. So are students. That does not justify him not taking the time to talk with the media. Richmond, as the administrative face of this institution, should make the time available. How can journalists accurately investigate and report the decisions that affect the university if its leader won't make the time to chat?
This is the tip of the iceberg; the real issue at hand here is over information control at this university. Is Richmond so afraid of students that he chooses to bunker down and hide in his office at Siemens Hall? This is not the way to address student concerns.
This only fuels fire to the sentiment expressed by many on campus that Richmond is inaccessible, not transparent and ultimately, not a good leader. Good leaders make time to talk. Good leaders make time to listen.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Matt Lang
posted 10/05/07 @ 11:00 PM PST
Near as I can tell, Richmond has been one of the worst things to happen to HSU. He makes an ungodly amount of money (paid by our tax dollars and the students' fees) and he makes bad decisions and has arrogantly alienated the staff, faculty, students and community. (Continued…)
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