By Eli Farrington
On Oct. 10, the Cal Poly Humboldt Presidential Search Committee held an open forum in the Van Duzer Theater. The committee included a handful of members of the Cal State University Board of Trustees, along with a few faculty members and administrators from Cal Poly Humboldt.
The open forum began at 11 a.m. sharp, with Committee Chair Leslie Gilbert-Laurie addressing an audience of roughly 250 students, faculty, and community members.
Gilbert-Laurie began by stating that the committee was in the early stages of their search, and the purpose of the forum was for the board to receive input from the campus community on the qualities and traits to look for in the next Cal Poly Humboldt president. She then passed the microphone to CSU Chancellor Mildred García, who explained that the search committee would not be taking any questions about potential candidates due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the selection process. She continued by saying that the search would be nation-wide, and the board would use the insights gained from the audience’s feedback during their search. The other members of the search committee introduced themselves, and then the open forum officially began.
Over the course of the next hour, attendees lined up behind microphones on either side of the auditorium to address the committee.
“We need a president who will foster a community where students feel heard, supported, and engaged,” Eduardo Cruz, Cal Poly Humboldt’s Legislative Vice President of Associated Students, said. “Our next president should be more than a decision maker. They should be a physical and active presence in our campus life and community; attending events, engaging in conversations, and building relationships with students, staff, and faculty in order to create a sense of unity and belonging. A president who prioritizes this kind of engagement will help foster a campus culture where students feel supported, inspired, and empowered in pursuing their academic and personal goals. Together, let’s ensure that our next president is not just a figurehead, but a true advocate for our campus success and growth.”
Many of the audience members that followed Cruz’s comments shared the belief that Cal Poly Humboldt desperately needed a president who was active in the campus community, and expressed their disapproval of former university President Tom Jackson Jr.’s leadership and lack of involvement with the student body.
Other members of the audience implored the committee to acknowledge Cal Poly Humboldt’s uniqueness compared to other CSUs and select a president whose leadership style would accommodate the particular needs of the university’s isolated campus.
“We are the Alaska of the CSUs,” Professor and Department of Sociology Chair Josh Meisel said. “It’s not just about transportation, it’s about differentness, and that is so essential that this committee recognizes. We are so far away physically, culturally, and historically. So much is so different about this place.”
Many commenters shared beliefs that supported electing a president that embodied the true values of Cal Poly Humboldt, such as shared governance, environmentalism, community engagement, an active presence on campus, respect for students’ free speech, and an appreciation for the history of the university as a place of activism and protest.
Assistant Professor Rouhollah Aghasaleh spoke on Tom Jackson Jr.’s lack of qualification for leading Cal Poly Humboldt, touching on the fact that the former president ran the university like a business rather than an educational institution.
“[Our next president must] be one of us, not a CEO in disguise,” Aghasaleh said. “Let’s be honest, how many of us in this room are wearing a full suit and tie right now? We need someone who looks like they belong here, not someone we would mistake for an investment banker at a shareholder meeting. Our next president shouldn’t come in like they are leading a military operation. We are not asking for Humboldt boot camp. We need an educator– someone who knows how to inspire, guide, and dare I say actually listen. Whoever takes this job should have an established resume in working with shared governance. We are tired of hearing what we cannot do. We get it, there are rules, budgets, and policies, but we need a president who helps us find ways to get things done.”
As the forum came to a close, Chancellor Garcia thanked the audience for their input and wished the committee luck on their search.
“Thank you again committee members for agreeing to serve in this process,” Garcia said. “This is one of the most important things that we do – choosing a new president. I know that each of you will take this charge seriously, and your commitment is deeply appreciated.”
Eli Farrington is the news editor for The Lumberjack. He enjoys playing guitar, ceramics, and keeping his finger on the pulse.
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