While the end of projects and exams is around the corner for MSU students, there are two people on campus who have a lot of hard work ahead of them. Interim President Vance Watson and Student Association President Braxton Coombs face similar challenges following an MSU president who arguably did too much and an SA president who didn’t do enough. Fortunately, the two men who have now taken the helm appear to be determined to steer the school in another direction.First of all, both Watson and Coombs are going to have to clear up our school’s reputation. Much of our credibility has been lost in the last two years. Regaining our respect is going to require Watson and Coombs to have a presence among students and faculty and use their respective positions to address serious concerns in a professional manner.
So far, we have been pleased to see that Watson and Coombs are both beginning to establish a presence. Unlike Robert “Doc” Foglesong, Watson has gone the extra mile to maintain a relationship with us by being readily accessible for interviews and writing a letter to the editor, which was published on April 18. Furthermore, Watson attended The Reflector‘s banquet to give a speech two weeks ago. It is relieving to know that our interim president is willing to communicate with student voices. We have had a similar experience with Coombs, who has made it a priority to meet with our editor-in-chief once a week.
Another important challenge that lies ahead for both presidents is to know what changes to make and how to make them. When Foglesong stepped foot on the MSU campus, many approved of him because of the positive action he said he was going to take. We soon learned that change for the sake of change isn’t always good. However, Watson seems to understand the importance of being reserved in the decision-making process when needed, as he recently called for a “calming of the waters.”
On the other hand, the challenge for Coombs is to be more active as the leader of the bridge between the administration and students. In this respect, Coombs has already broken the rules by not waiting until next year to begin making change. Hopefully, his recent attempt to get instructors to turn in textbook orders earlier, thereby reducing costs for students, is a signal of future dedication to run an active SA.
It is vital for this school to have responsible leaders. As a state, we are constantly on the defensive, and as a school, it is hard to attract people when we go through four presidents in 10 years. We are looking forward to working with an MSU president, although perhaps temporarily, who has been here for a long time and knows the importance of groups like the Faculty Senate. Likewise, Coombs shows interest in connecting with students and creating goals that matter. The true spirit of MSU is in sight once more.
As Watson put it, “The only things that matter at the end of the day are people.”
The Reflector editorial board is made up of opinion editor Matt Watson, news editor Carl Smith, assistant news editor Sarah Dale Simpkins, sports editor Brandon Wright, entertainment editor Kyle Wrather, photo editor Bud Sorey, copy editor Josh Starr, online editor C.J. LeMaster, managing editor David Breland and editor in chief Erin Kourkounis.