Job of president no small task

Now that Adam Herbert has been announced as IU's next president, what exactly is his job and what authority can he exert while in his new position?\nThe official announcement of the position opening, released in November, 2002, lists a myriad of qualities the IU president should possess, as well as the president's multiple duties. These duties include fundraising, increasing diversity, leading the chancellors and faculty of the regional campuses and communicating the values, mission and accomplishments of the University.\nTrustee Stephen Ferguson, who headed the search committee, closely followed the posted description when describing the qualities of candidates the committee reviewed.\n"We sought candidates who could raise money, promote academic and cultural excellence, and serve as an advocate and champion of diversity," he said.\nKelley School of Business Associate Dean Bruce Jaffee said he views the job of president as an exercise in multitasking.\n"Some of the key duties for the president include providing strategic leadership for the University, including developing and communicating a vision that promotes academic excellence, while recognizing our resource constraints and the special mission of being Indiana University," Jaffee said. "The president needs to assure that the various units are coordinated and to be the key face of the University with major constituencies."\nBut how will Herbert execute these duties? IUB Chancellor Sharon Brehm said it is unclear how the new president will choose to execute his position because each president has chosen a different focus.\nFor example, Herman B Wells drastically increased the enrollment at the Bloomington campus, while Myles Brand chose to focus on academics, deemphasizing the role of sports.\n"It's going to be an exciting and productive time as our new president learns about IU and develops his leadership agenda," Brehm said.\nOne important focus for Herbert will be the management of all eight of IU's campuses. While it is essential that the president be aware of what is going on at each, Jaffee said he believes that delegation is key.\n"The president should not -- and cannot -- micromanage lots of issues on eight campuses," he said. "The president and all of the campus chancellors need to be on the same page and work cooperatively towards the same aims."\nWhile all campuses are important to the workings of IU, Jaffee adds the president may take a more active interest in the issues of the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses.\n"The reputation and impact of the University rests primarily on what happens, or does not happen, on the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses," he said. "These chancellors report to the president, and the president has final authority. However, both the chancellors and the president need to be in basic agreement about goals and strategies to effectively advance the University's missions"