Willis makes students, faculty his top priorities

For 22 years at Lock Haven University, Craig Willis had a philosophy of students and faculty first.

A NEW DIRECTION: Eastern Michigan University Interim President Craig Willis (second, from left) made it one of his first orders of business to meet with faculty leaders and listen to their hopes and concerns. With Willis are, from top right, AAUP President Sally McCracken, professor of communication and theatre arts; Don Loppnow, senior executive, strategic planning and continuous improvement; Elaine Martin, professor of political science; and AAUP Treasurer Howard Bunsis, professor of accounting and finance.

Willis, now Eastern Michigan University's interim president, is sticking to that same formula. So it was no surprise that, on his first day of duty, Willis's first meetings were with student and faculty leaders.

"We are only here because of the students. We need to do the very best job we can with them (students)," Willis said. "The people who mainly do that job are the faculty. My goal (at my meetings) was to —  both actually and symbolically —  set the tone of what we're about."

And campus leaders couldn't be happier.

Student Government President Edward Davis II said he's impressed with what he's seen and heard from Willis.

"He's shown me that he's student-focused and that students come first," Davis said. "I think that's a great thing going into the 2004-05 school year."

AAUP President Sally McCracken said she's encouraged by Willis' interest and ability to listen to faculty concerns, as well as his knowledge of the issues. She added that it was "truly fitting" that he met with students first.

"He said he wanted to restore 'the primacy of the faculty," she said. "In other words, he wants to get the emphasis back on the central role faculty play in the educational experience. We were pleased to hear that. I want to give him the opportunity to follow through with his statements and do what he said that he will do."

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