Presidential hour

Presidential changes are everywhere you look these days. IU and Purdue have elected new presidents. Indiana State will soon follow. Unpredictable Russian elections are lurking around the corner, and the U.S. presidential contenders have seemingly been duking it out it out for ages.\nThe promise of new leadership brings an avalanche of predictions from both bozos and true experts. Naturally, I’m ready to toss my hat into the ring and be your go-to political prophet. \nMy crystal ball tells me that IU President Michael McRobbie is here to stay for the long run. He is proactive enough to not get himself canned after four years. Sorry to disappoint a bunch of you career climbers out there who are eyeing the presidential seat. You know who you are; I’ve been eyeing it too.\nHaving a crystal ball helps, but so does meeting the man himself. I went to McRobbie’s office hours, and let me tell you, he’s an intelligent and affable fellow, and he is extremely well-versed in University politics. Plus, he has some pretty darn smart and loyal staff members. (Never underestimate the importance of a great staff.)\nWhile you guys have been busy summer vacationing, perhaps going to class and definitely partying, McRobbie and his staff have been making some sweeping changes. With due pomp and circumstance, he has made new administrative appointments and master plans. His whirlwind of presidential appearances and satellite campus visits has added a needed dose of razzle-dazzle to the mix. \nAs a result, IU now has eight new deans and eight new vice presidents. McRobbie appointed Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, reportedly a finalist for the IU presidential position, as interim vice president for research administration. Giving a former contender a qualified promotion to a newly created office is just clever. The crown jewel in this all is perhaps the appointment of the genial Karen Hanson as the provost and executive vice president. As a political science junkie, I can appreciate the strategic brilliance of a fellow politicker.\nMcRobbie has learned from former President Adam Herbert’s mistakes. McRobbie reorganized the administration by placing people both popular and supportive of his initiatives in key positions, either before taking office July 1, or after. \nMy crystal ball tells me that the new administration will be a controlled and cooperative one, capable of tempering the boisterous faculty council and making friends with the bossy trustees.\nMcRobbie is going to be a hands-on guy, actively involved in this whole University-governing business. Whether he can capitalize on the current momentum of change and keep it going throughout the rest of his tenure remains to be seen. After all, the bureaucratic rut is temptingly sweet. \nHowever, McRobbie has already made good on his promise to be more accessible. The good ol’ chap was willing to put up with my annoying presence during his office hours. I’m more than willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. His Australian accent doesn’t hurt either. \nIf you get a chance, pay McRobbie a visit. You’ll be able to tell your mama you had a chat with the president.