Exemplar: What motivated you to apply with the governor’s office to become an Eastern Michigan University regent?
Tom Sidlik: I applied because I thought I could make a positive difference at Eastern Michigan University. I’ve lived in the area since 1973, so I’m very familiar with the strengths and challenges of Washtenaw County. EMU can serve those needs as well as ones more regional in nature. I’m really honored that Governor Granholm appointed me.
Exemplar: What are the building blocks upon which Eastern Michigan University is building its future?
Sidlik: For starters, we just opened a new EMU Student Center in the past year. We’re looking forward to the Mark Jefferson Science Complex project getting under way, as well as the Pray-Harrold renovation. The board is committed to increasing enrollment, increasing student credit hours and improving the dorms. The net result will be a more vibrant campus life with more students living and studying on campus.
When you view these developments together, you can begin to visualize the future for Eastern: an exciting educational and social experience on campus for the students, faculty and staff. The faculty and students will have a much better environment in which to conduct research and pursue their education. Of course, the alumni will have good reason to have even more pride in their EMU degree.
Exemplar: Discuss the relationship between the EMU Board of Regents and the faculty union.
Sidlik: When I think of EMU’s future, it starts and begins with the student-faculty experience. We’re always going to be focused on strengthening those bonds. It’s in our long-term best interest. I think the board has a good relationship with the faculty. I hope the presidential search will be a bonding experience for the various constituents on campus. But the faculty is the most important constituent group we have. Our mission here is to educate students and to create an environment where faculty and students can do research to improve the world in which we live.
Exemplar: What skill sets and experiences do you want the next president of EMU to have?
Sidlik: We need a person with demonstrated leadership capabilities and a proven track record of accomplishment. The person should be a good communicator. Our big area of opportunity is in fundraising. The new president needs to convincingly communicate the EMU story to Lansing, alumni and other donor groups. We need to do more to get alumni and current donors more engaged with EMU.
Of course, the new president needs to be able to “connect” with the faculty, students, staff and the local community, too. I have the greatest level of confidence in the Presidential Search Advisory Committee. It’s an exceptionally strong and dedicated group.
Exemplar: Campus safety and security is a major focus of the University right now. How do you measure our progress in those areas?
Sidlik: The University must provide for a safe environment for the faculty, students and staff. Don Loppnow (Provost and Executive Vice President) and the board agree that we want to set benchmark levels of safety for everyone at EMU. That is our goal.
One of the first actions of this new year was to name a new head of campus security, Greg O’Dell. Greg has great experience in crime prevention with the Ann Arbor police. Being in Ann Arbor, he has lots of experience in dealing with “town and gown” cooperation. Additionally Greg is an EMU alumnus and a lawyer. We have a first-class person in Greg. To improve communications and speed implementation, he will report directly to Don Loppnow.
Don has worked diligently on security issues since July. Since then, we have engaged a security firm to audit the campus, hired more security guards and expanded our nighttime security program, just to name a few initiatives.
Exemplar: You’ve retired from the former Daimler-Chrysler. What do you do with your extra time?
Sidlik: Well, not flying back and forth from Germany has given me more time, that’s for sure. But I’ve loved my time in the auto industry and now I can devote more time to EMU. I spend time on campus as I am needed. I really enjoy the interaction with everyone. For instance, this past August, the weather was so nice that I held my meetings outside, on the bench, near Welch Hall. That gave me an opportunity to chat will lots of people!
Exemplar: When you look forward, what excites you?
Sidlik: When you take a look at our overall philosophy, it really is “Education First.” The new ad campaign is excellent in portraying what we really feel the University is all about. A unique education is what we provide students. We have great faculty and world-class programs. EMU is starting to get recognized for those strengths. The future is exciting!
Name: Thomas W. Sidlik
Appointed: December 2004 (term expires December 2012). Became chairman January 2007; serve for one, two-year term
College: New York University, B.S. ’71; University of Chicago, MBA ’73
Career: Joined Chrysler Corp. in 1980. Was a member of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG from December 1998 through August 2007, and was responsible for Global Procurement and Supply from 2003 through August 2007
Hometown: Ann Arbor (born in New Britain, Conn.)
Other interests: Member, Detroit Institute of Arts board of directors