By Barry Levites
In his State of the University address last Wednesday, President Richard Freeland outlined a plan to create additional research centers, increase graduate programs and add 100 tenured faculty positions before he steps down in August 2006.
“This has been an emotional occasion for me,” President Freeland said before the crowded auditorium. “But I have things I hope to accomplish before I leave.”
Freeland stressed the importance of Northeastern advancing into the U.S. News and World Report’s annual ranking of the country’s top 100 universities – a major goal the president set when he began his term nearly 10 years ago.
“We need to be in the top 100 [rankings] to survive as a private, high cost university,” he said.
Freeland also spoke about the challenges coming in the year ahead, such as a lack of alumni participation and donations.
Freeland stressed the importance of university interdependence, announcing plans to get more co-op employers, form better neighborhood relationships and gain more government funding to ease the burden of tuition.
As the deadline for the Institutional Master Plan approaches and community members continue to express displeasure with Northeastern expansion, Freeland promised to keep the community’s interests in mind as the university moves forward with the construction of two new residence halls.
Along with the presentation of an ambitious agenda, Freeland took a moment to recognize the accomplishments Northeastern has achieved over the past several years.
“I think we owe ourselves a round of applause for the recognition we’ve received,” he said.
Freeland also announced the role he will play in choosing his successor. Although he is aware of several worthy candidates, Freeland said he will “stay as far away from the selection process as possible.”
“There will be a formation of a search committee made up of students, faculty and administrators,” he said. “I’m sure they will find an excellent successor for when I leave office.”
Provost Ahmed Abdelal also addressed the crowd. The provost applauded the creation of 11 new majors and 13 new minors, the increased student research support and the strengthening of the honors program.
Abdelal, like Freeland, announced more plans for the future of Northeastern.
“The school needs a bigger library collection, which we plan on completing soon,” Abdelal said.
Students said they were happy with the plan Freeland laid out for his final year as Northeastern’s president.
“I liked it,” said middler supply chain management major Grant Oberg. “I was glad that he outlined the challenges he’s facing. As a senator and a [Student Government Association] member, it makes things easier to lay out what to do to make life enjoyable in the future.” –>
