A chancellor’s welcome
“Each one of is part of a dynamic learning community.”
By Meghan Youker
Staff Reporter

While Chancellor Victor Boschini entertained faculty and staff members Tuesday at the university’s annual opening luncheon with personal anecdotes and numerous references to “all y’all,” he also announced two major developments within the university’s administration.

Boschini told approximately 1,000 faculty and staff members about both the retirement of William Koehler, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, and the new title for Carol Campbell, who was previously the vice chancellor of finance and business.

“Finding a new provost is going to be a major feat,” Boschini said, “We have big shoes to fill.”

Boschini said he has hired a search firm to help look for a new provost and that the committee will be led by Nadia Lahutsky, chairwoman of the Faculty Senate.

Boschini said he named Campbell the vice chancellor of finance and administration to reflect the added responsibilities to her position.

TCU’s Physical Plant, facilities and conference services, risk management, business, mailing and printing services, telecommunications, environmental health and safety, and worker’s compensation will now report to Campbell. These units were previously overseen by the recently retired Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services Edd Bivin.

Boschini said TCU needs to narrow its focus and concentrate more on the core of things that the university does best.

The chancellor also reminded all faculty and staff that they do make a difference and that they should have purpose in everything they do at the university.

“Whether it’s repainting the walls or teaching physics, each one of us is part of a dynamic learning community,” Boschini said. “What we’re doing does have meaning, and what we’re doing does change lives.”

Student Government Association President Brad Thompson, Faculty Senate Chair Nadia Lahutsky and Staff Assembly Chair David Grebel also spoke about their goals for the year at the luncheon.

Residential Services employee Gail Truitt said Boschini’s message reminded her that education is and will always be the first and foremost concern at the university.

“It reminds all of us that our mission is to educate individuals and that we are taking care of young people that will be going out into the world and making a difference,” Truitt said.

Boschini said he would welcome any lunch invitation from faculty and staff members, but jokingly said he could not promise he would remember to bring his money.

Men’s Basketball Head Coach Neil Dougherty said the luncheon enabled all faculty and staff members to find out how personable and approachable Boschini is.

“His openness is great, necessary and very good for a university the size of TCU,” Dougherty said.

Meghan Youker