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NORMAL, Ill. (AP) — Illinois State University's president has started his first full academic year with an eye toward more stable leadership after last year's upheaval, and he says that so far he's enjoying every aspect of the job.
Larry Dietz was named president of ISU on March 22, following Timothy Flanagan's disorderly conduct conviction and resignation, and a string of departures beginning in January. He told The (Bloomington) Pantagraph (http://bit.ly/1oYzaRU ) that everything is "hunky-dory."
"There's a ripple in everybody's pond now and then, and I think that's what happened here," Dietz said. "Things are sailing smoothly now."
Flanagan, formerly president of Framingham State University in Massachusetts, resigned in March, just seven months after Illinois State University hired him. He was accused of screaming at a groundskeeper at close range during a confrontation last year. He was sentenced in June to probation.
Dietz said he is focused on making improvements at the university, prioritizing stronger enrollment and more stable leadership this semester.
"Frankly, I spent very little time talking about what happened," Dietz said. "I was hired to look to the future and I think people find that refreshing."
All four vice president positions will be filled in an effort to bring fresh eyes and perspectives to the university, he said.
Dietz's Educating Illinois strategic plan aims to provide a supportive, student-centered educational experience, strengthen organizational operation, enhance outreach and partnerships, and prepare students to excel in a globally competitive, culturally diverse and changing environment.
Enrollment at ISU has remained strong at just under 20,000 students, while it has dwindled at other schools, partly because of its commitment to student-centered, individualized attention, Dietz said. He said retention and graduation rates are at all-time highs as well.
He is set to give his first State of the University address Sept. 18.
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Information from: The Pantagraph, http://www.pantagraph.com
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