First Presidential Candidate Open Forum Held

A standing ovation greeted Dr. Thomas Botzman, vice president for business and finance at St. Mary's College of Maryland during an open forum on Tues., Feb. 2. The event was designed to let Botzman inform the campus why he is interested to be President of Longwood University and give attendees a chance to ask him questions. Botzman is the first of four candidates in the running to replace current Longwood President Patricia Cormier, who is retiring July 1.

Barry Case, chair of the presidential search and screening advisory committee, gave a brief introduction of Botzman, who was chosen from a list of 124 applicants by the committee. Case explained the search process began about six months ago and consists of 13 individuals, whose job is to find a person who is capable of promoting the core values and mission statement of the campus, as well as individuals who have a great interest in pursuing academic excellence. The committee also selected candidates who promote diversity amongst the campus community and will diligently work with the Board of Visitors (BOV) and other state and federal officials to conduct the business of the university both at home and at large.

Botzman humorously opened the forum, a tone he carried with him until the end, by saying the last time he had a standing ovation was when he was giving a presentation about the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in Mexico where he had to speak "Spanglish" to get through the speech.

"I like Longwood because it reminds me of Maryland," he said. "Much like our campus, you are into sustainability, into diversity, and into welcoming. And I thank you for that."

He quickly said that if chosen as President, he would continue to promote Longwood's mission statement and traditional values. He said he was impressed at the qualities exhibited by Longwood students. "I was impressed to see that you have thought about the democratic principles," Botzman told the audience. He said those principles in Longwood's mission statement are crucial of a citizen leader and make the campus what it is.

Botzman applauded Longwood's efforts at promoting sustainability and environmental safety. Longwood has reduced energy consumption by 30 percent, a figure Botzman is no stranger to. At St. Mary's College, he implemented a contract saving 20 percent of fuel oil and usage of electricity. He said he views the students as head innovators to keep sustainability efforts on track. Longwood Sustainability Coordinator Kelly Martin said she was "very impressed" with Botzman's experience and knowledge of sustainability. "He is very aware of sustainability and I think will carry on Dr. Cormier's vision of sustainability at Longwood. I really think he has a lot to offer."

Assistant Professor of History Dr. Mellissa Yeager asked Botzman if Longwood has a "certain niche" among other institutions in the state. He responded by saying "Yes and no," saying he would be optimistic about keeping "Longwood's retention rate above the average." He was impressed with the 80 percent figure of returning freshman, especially when compared to the campus' demographics. He said he received no clear answer to who Longwood's competition is, partly because the "answers have ranged from small to larger schools." Botzman said he hoped more students would see Longwood as a first choice school while keeping the size small. "We need to keep individualization attention from teachers," he said. He did not offer a plan that would increase the size of the university or change Longwood's two-percent growth rate per academic year, a concern among many students who pick Longwood because of its size and student-teacher ratio. "I like the idea of managed growth," said Senior Class President Ashley Jarrett.

A hot topic during the question and answer section of the evening was Longwood's budget situation. For the past few months, much discussion has been circulating around the comprehensive fee payment for students and how much of that fee goes to athletic components. In Maryland, Botzman oversees an annual budget of $64 million, compared to Longwood's annual $94 million budget. Many people at the forum addressed some concern about the direction of the budget and how a new president would handle the situation.

Senior Bryan Axson said he is worried about the prospect of cutting money to programs such as the fine arts in order to increase funding for athletic programs. Botzman said, "Arts and athletics are linked together in two ways." The first being they are both "part of a solid, residential campus" and the second that they both bring more students to campus.

Botzman said, "I don't think we're in a budget crisis. I think it's going to get worse." At St. Mary's, he was able to end the past year with a surplus while keeping all faculty members working. "Sacrifices will be made," he said. However, he went on to remark that Longwood's budget is "doing well." Those most concerned about the budget situation are those involved in activities that receive less funding.

Professor Mary Carroll-Hackett, associate professor of English and director of Longwood's creative writing program, expressed the same concern as Axson. "I didn't find his answer to be ripe with tangible support." Carroll-Hackett is concerned that sectors such as the creative writing program may receive additional funding cuts, on top of already shaky budgets. She alluded to the creative writing program's success over the past few years, who she credited the Dean of the Cook-Cole College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Charles Ross, in spearheading. "Longwood has a place in the American writing community that it did not have seven years ago. You can't do that without a budget," she said.

Dean of the College of Education and Human Services Dr. Deneese Jones said Longwood "would be fortunate to get him as president." She went on to note, "He is a good listener, very down to earth, and real genuine. He has a very caring nature and relationship with students." She spoke highly of their time together when both were in the same American Council on Education Fellow class. Furthermore, she praised his work when he visited Longwood before in assisting the College of Education and Human Services in the development of their strategic five-year plan. "This is my fifth year and it is time for another strategic plan. We would be right on the same page if he becomes president," Jones concluded.