President Scott completes busy first day on the job
President Steve Scott addresses a large crowd gathered outside Russ Hall to welcome him as PSU's 9th president.
07/02/2009
A new era began for Pittsburg State University on July 2, as Dr. Steve Scott officially began his tenure as the PSU's 9th president.
The day began early as approximately 100 employees, students and community leaders met the president on his way into Russ Hall to begin his first day of work. He spent July 1, his first official day as president, at an MIAA CEO meeting in Kansas City.
After a round of applause, Scott was introduced by Samantha Heady, vice president of the Student Government Association. Scott made a few brief comments before inviting the crowd inside for a breakfast reception in the President's Office. After greeting a stream of well-wishers, a group of leaders from the community, business sector, and government headed to the third floor of Russ Hall for a presidential summit.
Welcoming the large group, Scott addressed a number of issues, including strategic planning, creating more community partnerships, and addressing the master plan. He also asked for input, questioning each of them about what they would do if it were their first day as president. Many responded that he was already on the right track.
"This bridge building operation you've got going right here will take you a long way," said Patrick O'Bryan, Pittsburg City Commissioner. "It will take all of us a long way."
Scott asked the group about their concerns, and several made comments regarding economic development, a community focus on wellness, and communication between the university and region.
"The relationships we're forming around this table today are going to help everybody," added Linda Grilz, a Crawford County commissioner and PSU instructor.
The remainder of Scott's day was just as full. Later Thursday, he received a congratulatory phone call from Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback. Following a luncheon at the Tyler Research Center with a group of university constituents, he met with a group of students at the U-Club in Overman Student Center.
The students, eager to speak with him about issues ranging from tuition to budget cuts to their relationships with faculty, said they were excited to have an opportunity to meet with him face-to-face.
"I'm proud of the university," said Jason Landrum, president of Students in Free Enterprise. "I think even in these times it's done what it can to keep students first."
---Pitt State---
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