Candidates discuss IU's vision

Talbot stresses technology, communication\nIn an era where the hustle of everyday life becomes increasingly complicated by the emergence of new technologies, many people become discouraged. They eschew new developments; they shun e-mail and the Internet in favor of more traditional modes of communication. Yet Board of Trustees candidate Sue Hays Talbot has vowed to ride with the times. \nThe former Director of Alumni Education Programs and National Teacher of the Year has established a platform focused on student and faculty retention and the constant monitoring of existing degree programs, all the while maintaining a fierce dedication to the adaptation of new technologies for communication between alumni, administrators, faculty and students. \nIn fact, Talbot says a few young alumni have indicated they'll pledge their support to those candidates with computer proficiency. She says her communication via e-mail with more than 200 alumni in six weeks has allowed her to more accurately depict what alumni envision for the University, providing what she terms a "forum for dialogue with IU degree holders."\nShe added that electronic communication allows her to break down geographic barriers. Through e-mail, she can communicate with alum nationwide. \n"The disconnect between the University and our alumni is painful," Talbot said. "We want to be informed and to cherish the celebrations with one another. We also choose to work together when IU\'s image is tarnished."\nTalbot also maintains a personal Web site, which contains her full platform, as well as a biography, links and a polling section in which interested individuals can submit concerns about various issues. \nShe stresses dedication to upholding and improving upon the tradition of excellence she feels is definitive of the University. But change must be implemented to ensure such progress, Talbot says. \n"My doctorate education and background as a teacher, policymaker and IU employee brings a unique resource to the Board," Talbot said in her campaign platform. "I understand the importance of scholarship and research in a university environment and how they relate to the economic success of our state. I know we must continue to improve upon our legacy -- this means change."\nTalbot received the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce's Lifetime Achievement Award in September 2000, a testament to her reputation and dedication to the Bloomington community and IU campus. \nAnd it's a reputation rich with accomplishment. Talbot received degrees in elementary education from IU in 1966 and 1971 and in administration in 1992. She went on to serve as president of the School of Education Alumni and the IU Alumni Association and as a Women's Affairs adviser. She serves the Community Foundation Board and was special assistant for education to former Governor Robert D. Orr. \nTalbot has been honored with the Gertrude Rich Award and the School of Education Alumnus Award. She is also founding director of Hoosiers for Higher Education, a grassroots organization designed to work with legislative bodies concerning higher education spending. \n"I am not against anything or anyone at IU," Talbot said. "Rather, I am for whatever it takes to help Indiana University remain the world class institution it has become. In order to insure this reputation and to increase our image in areas needed, we need to work carefully on planning for the future. As alumni communicate their perceptions with us, we can continue to move forward aggressively and systematically."\nSmith wants to redefine University's goals\nNina Clevenger Smith thinks IU needs a mission.\nTo effectively compete with other institutions of higher learning in the state, Big Ten and even internationally, she says IU must decide what sort of University it wants to be.\nTo successfully lobby proposed initiatives, Smith feels proposals must fit into some sort of framework, into guidelines established through consensus.\nIf elected to the IU Board of Trustees, Smith, vice president and associate medical director of American United Life, hopes to help prepare that set of goals. \n"We need to decide what we are as a university," Smith said. "A lot of times when new initiatives are proposed, our gut reaction is, 'Hey, that sounds good, let's do that.' But we need to consider where those proposals fit into our overall plan."\nThat's where Smith feels IU lacks direction. \n"While IU does have a wonderful strategic charter, we don't really know where it's taking us," Smith claimed. "Different sorts of institutions require different focuses and different commitments. I don't see that IU has really decided what it wants to be."\nA clear mission allows administrators and trustees to set goals and determine whether they fit into the University's vision, Smith said. Crucial components to establishing a mission statement are commitments to education and research development. \nSmith added that IU must continue to expand upon what she deems a major strength of the College of Arts and Sciences -- its ability to truly educate students to think independently of technology.\n"We can never forget one of our duties is not just to teach for today but to educate minds to be intelligent and capable of reasoning," she said. "We must equip students with the ability to evaluate knowledge. That's the true basis for education."\nAnother one of Smith's chief concerns involves the budgetary process. She said the trustees must work more closely with the administration to develop efforts devoted to creating a responsible budget. \n"We must form a budget richer in those areas which fulfill our mission," Smith said. "To say the University is run like a business is not a dirty word. It's run like a good business, not a cold and uncaring one, and the bottom line is not money returning to stockholders but knowledge imparted to students."\nSmith believes she can help both develop that clear vision and set forth the sorts of financial and departmental changes necessary to facilitate it. A 1970 graduate of the IU School of Medicine, Smith is a member of the Alumni Club, Well House Society and Hoosier Hundred. She has served as president of the American Academy of Insurance Medicine, president of the Harold W. McMillen Center for Health Education and president of the Indiana affiliate of the American Diabetes Association.\n"It's time for a fresh idea, for a dog nipping at heels," Smith said. "I don't have all the answers ... but I think I can add a more diverse perspective"