Budget cuts do not change provost's goals

Echeverria dosen't want to be known as program- cutting provost

By Krisse Mansfield

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs candidate Jeronima Echeverria said regardless of the financial state of the university in the future, her goals for it will remain the same: teaching, learning and continuing educational success.

Echeverria fielded questions from a crowd of 50 staff, faculty and administrators regarding issues ranging from the budget to faculty and administrative differences as part of her two-day interview for the position.

Echeverria admitted the university will face difficult times with the current budget crisis, but said she hopes to find solutions.

“ I don’t want to be the provost known for cutting programs,” Echeverria said. “We’re talking about actual human beings here, people who have dedicated their lives to what they’re doing. I think the real question to ask here is how long we can support 82 degrees and 42 masters programs. We need to take a serious look at how long those programs are going to be around.”

Echeverria said the administration will have to look at the demands of each department, the number of students it serves and other majors that depend on it before any decisions will be made regarding the budget.

Echeverria defended the Outreach programs, and said cutting them is short-sighted.

“ The cutting of those programs will completely change our role in the Valley,” Echeverria said. “I think that is a step in the wrong direction.”

Music department Chair Jose Diaz supported Echeverria’s bid for the position.

“ In my opinion, one of the most valuable characteristics of someone in a position of power is that they have an understanding of what the faculty does day-to-day, and to not be so far removed from it,” Diaz said. “Having that perspective will enable her to guide the university though some very painful times that we’re going to face soon.”

Echeverria, currently filling the position on an interim basis, is one of five candidates under consideration for the position.