Although we haven’t seen our new president in administrative action yet, he has succeeded in being personable to MSU students.
Graduating students will accept their diplomas from President Robert Foglesong at the end of the semester. Former President Charles Lee decided he couldn’t make the occasion. We admire Foglesong for stepping into his role immediately.
The four-star general has done a lot to win the trust and respect of students. He invites them to lunch, visits classes and talks to any student he may meet during his 6-mile run every morning on campus.
After the Honors orientation meeting earlier this week, Foglesong invited all 18 orientation leaders to his home for hot dogs. This is the outgoing leader we were hoping for-a contrast to our last president.
Thus far, Foglesong has downplayed his reputation as a strong and experienced military leader. You might not be able to tell he’s been a part of the military for so many years. Foglesong has worked to be approachable and laid back to students. This relaxed manner will serve the students well in the future. If students believe he wants to listen to them, their needs will be heard when necessary.
But behind the friendliness and visibility of our president lies a man who was born to lead. Foglesong has been stationed in 19 countries in his 33-year career. He’s no stranger to leading in new places. We trust his adaptive abilities will benefit MSU. Nothing indicates that he’s not ready for action and progress.
Foglesong’s larger goal for MSU is hopeful. He wants to raise the prestige of MSU to a national level, and his adamancy shows without a flicker. We have seen him break down the conventional view of the leader who the people can’t approach; we hope he’ll break down the convention that MSU isn’t a university to watch.
If any man is prepared for putting MSU in the spotlight, it’s Foglesong. Our first impression is a good one. We can only wait to see if his conduct in official business can match the openness of his personality, but his past success as a leader can make us all rest easier.
The Reflector editorial board is made up of opinion editor Jed Pressgrove, news editor Aaron Burdette, assistant news editor C.J. LeMaster, sports editor R.J. Morgan, entertainment editor Gabe Smith, online editor Sara McAdory, managing editor Ross Dellenger and editor in chief Tyler Stewart.