Thursday was day one on the job and 51Թ President “moved forward boldly and aggressively,” just as he said the university will do during his term.
He began by delivering the closing remarks to the alumni and parent participants in the university’s first program, which exemplified two of his goals: to sustain the academic engagement that alumni have with 51Թ, and to make the most of the “human contact” that a residential liberal arts university can offer its constituents and community.
“We’re a very special type of provider of information,” he said. “What the Internet can’t offer — and where 51Թ in particular has a great advantage — is that we are
a community of people learning from each other, one on one.”
A few hours later, Herbst, sporting a brand new 51Թ tie, chatted individually with faculty, staff, and students who attended the Spirit of Summer celebration hosted by the human resources office.
“I was thrilled to welcome Jeff to 51Թ,” said Nancy Ries, associate professor of anthropology and peace and conflict studies. “I am confident he is just the person to inspire, challenge, and lead this campus to fulfill its potential in global education.”
But alas, amidst all the hoopla even the sixteenth president of 51Թ had some routine chores to take care of. At his new-hire orientation he completed the I-9 form to document his U.S. citizenship, and enrolled in 51Թ’s retirement program.
“He had been really good about filling in his tax forms and benefit enrollment forms in advance,” said Amy
Ryan, senior assistant director of human resources.
“I wanted to make sure his last details were done appropriately and quickly,” she said. “I knew he probably had more important things to take care of.”