April 29, 2015 SUPPLEMENT | Midwestern State University | thewichitan.com | Your Campus. Your News.
“Universities are bigger than presidents.� Jesse Rogers, Midwestern State University president, 2001-2015
2B | April 29, 2015 |
Rogers committed to education, students, innovation Brianna Sheen reporter
A
lthough University President Jesse Rogers’ job title has changed and his responsibility has grown over the course of his 48 years of service at MSU, his professional ideals have remained the same, rooted in his academic background and devotion to his students.
COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION
Rogers’ professional beginnings as a chemistry and physics professor have had a lasting impression on him and he said he’s never stopped missing his teaching days. “I’ve not ever quit missing getting to know students like I did when I taught them,” Rogers said. “I will always cherish those years and certainly I will always miss teaching.” Teaching, according to Rogers, carries a responsibility to the students. “Your job is to make sure they’re being taught well and that you’re being rigorous and competitive,” Rogers said. “There’s a lot of integrity involved in dealing with your students.” Despite rising the ranks, Rogers’ commitment to education followed him up the ranks and the philosophy has expanded over time. “Don’t ever pass up an opportunity to learn something because you don’t know when you’re going to need to talk to someone about it,” Rogers said. “You don’t know when you’re going to need to use it in your job and I think that’s particularly true of the world today.” Although Rogers hasn’t had the opportunity to teach since 2000, his obligation to quality education now manifests itself in decisions regarding school curriculum. “An overriding concern is rigor and relevance of our curriculum,” said Rogers. “I’ve never had a student come back and say ‘I didn’t learn enough here.’ To the contrary, I’ve had so many come back and say ‘I went to graduate school with people from some of the best elite schools and I was scared to death I wouldn’t know enough. We used the same books in school. We knew the same things. I learned as much as my friend from Harvard.’ That makes
Photo by Ethan Metcalf | The Wichitan
Jesse Rogers delivers the closing remarks at Midwestern State University graduation, May 10, 2014.
me feel good. We are that good.” Rogers said he never planned to become university president but it became a job he enjoys just as much as teaching. “I sure didn’t set out to be a university president,” Rogers said. “There are a lot of constituencies and a lot of responsibilities. But it is also a very rewarding job. When I shake your hand when you walk across that stage, I can see what this institution is doing and know that I along with the deans and faculty and other vice presidents had a lot to do with young lives. It is a stressful job but it’s the most rewarding job probably that I’ve ever had. Certainly equal to being a professor.” Rogers’ concern for the students is prevalent in more than just his words, according to those who have worked closely with him. “At the end of the day, one of his strengths is he’s never lost contact with the students,” said Howard Farrell, vice president of university advancement and public affairs. According to Farrell, who said he has worked with Rogers for close to 30 years, once at an event he and
Rogers attended, a parent asked Rogers what he did at the university and Rogers said he was a chemistry teacher. “He could’ve said ‘I’m this,’ ‘I’m that,’ all the titles, and he didn’t do that,” Farrell said. Rebecca Stogner, 2014-2015 president of the Student Government Association, said, “He’s genuinely interested in the students and so I was able to take pride in the things that I do because he’s genuine and he cared and he listened and he remembered.” Rogers said he frequently visits with SGA to get the students’ perspective on potential changes to the university. “I enjoy talking to student government,” Rogers said. “I would never take anything to the Board of Regents that dealt with your cost of this institution or the quality of it without talking to student government.” As SGA president, Stogner confirmed Rogers’ numerous appearances at their meetings. “I love how he’s constantly opening up his office, having me or the executive board come in and talk to him,” Stogner said. “He speaks with us on numerous occasions about things that they’re thinking of doing at the university and he gets our opinion before anything is done.” Stogner said Rogers’ frequent appearances at SGA meetings are a reflection of his character. “As a student and as SGA president, I really appreciate that because he doesn’t have to do any of that, he’s choosing to, and I think that speaks volumes about his character,” Stogner said. Rogers’ involvement with the students does not stop at Student Government Association. Rogers said he makes it a point to show support to students at sports events. “I’ll go down on the field after a football game; I’ll go down on the court after a basketball game,” Rogers said. “I don’t want to steal their thunder but I want those young people to know that I know that they’re working really hard. I’ll walk by the band and give them a thumbsup to let them know that I’m proud of them. There’s so many opportunities to support people.”
1959 | Graduate from Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth 1963 | Bachelor’s in chemistry from University of Texas at Arlington 1967 | Doctorate in chemistry from Texas Christian University 1967 | Hired as assistant professor of chemistry at Midwestern University 1968 | Awarded Robert A. Welch Foundation research grant for work in organic and inorganic electrochemistry 1988 | Chief Academic Officer Council, chair 2001 | United Way Board 2006 | Inducted into the Philosophical Society of Texas 2007 | President, Lone Star Conference
wichitan
the
Vo. 79 | Special Issue
Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room B103 3410 Taft Blvd. Box 14 Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 - wichitan@mwsu.edu
Editor: Austin Quintero Assistant EDITORS: Payton Bonner, Naomi Skinner Photo Editor: Rachel Johnson Reporters: Morgan Haire, Jessalyn Castro, Chris Marten, Brianna Sheen, Haleigh Wallace, Jessica Cottingham, Nizhoni Terronez, Kellie Martin, Avery Whaite, Treston Lacy, Ricinda Parks-Turner COPY EDITOR: Ethan Metcalf Designer: Brianna Sheen Adviser: Bradley Wilson
Copyright © 2015. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a telephone number and address. The editor retains the right to edit letters.
| April 29, 2015 | 3B
RESPONSIBILITY TO STUDENTS
Rogers said the most important job for the new president will be getting to know the students. “It can’t be done overnight,” Rogers said. “Get out there. Walk across the campus. Talk to the students, ask them about their major. ‘How are things going? What do you want to tell me? What do we need to do to improve this place?’” According to Rogers, some of his favorite memories are when his former students come back to see him. “When they come by and tell me that somehow I’ve made a difference in their life, I feel like I’ve lived my life well,” Rogers said. “I promise you, as young people you will have that opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and you do it in many different ways.”
What changes do you hope to see at MSU? Photo by Bradley Wilson | The Wichitan
Jesse Rogers helped at the Sikes Lake cleanup Sept. 5, 2014.
CATALYST FOR CHANGE
Stogner said Rogers has made a difference at MSU in various ways. “I admire how he puts himself out there to be a visible presence and how he has relationships that keep this university thriving due to his fundraising capability,” Stogner said. “It comes with age and experience and I think that Dr. Rogers has been an incredible leader on this campus.” Like Stogner, Farrell also said that Rogers’ leadership skills have bolstered MSU. “There’s so many dramatic things that have happened and even though that takes a whole host of people working to make something like this a success, you always need the leadership that is crucial to a successful undertaking and Dr. Rogers has provided that,” Farrell said. Stogner said, “He is one of the best leaders I have ever seen and as an individual who has those kinds of ambitions, I would aspire to be like him. He has surpassed all expectations I had of dealing with a university president.” In addition to being a successful leader, Rogers has also been described as a catalyst for change. During his presidency, MSU has become a Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, and the Dillard College of Business received a new building and gained the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation, putting it in the top 5 percent of business schools worldwide, among other changes. “A lot of the major things—from buildings to programs to services to activities to reputation —he’s had a huge part in making those things possible,” Farrell said. “That’s going to leave quite a legacy for him. As a catalyst for change, I think he really pointed this institution into the future; we can look across the street and see Dillard, and of course their international accreditation AASCB.” Under Rogers, MSU also became the only Texas COPLAC school, the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Rogers said he shares the COPLAC philosophy of expanded learning. “I love the philosophy of the COPLAC schools,” Rogers said. “They turn out a lot of professional students. COPLAC expresses an attitude toward broad based learning.” In addition to supporting a liberal arts education, Rogers said he thinks it’s important
“I want to see more student involvement in big matters like the new dorm situation. The president should take student opinion on projects like that and Mustangs Walk. I want a president who listens to student opinions.” brandon allen engineering sophomore
“I would like to see the president expand handson education. I also want the new president to help boost student involvement so that we can keep students here.” Photo byLauren Roberts | the wichitan
Jesse Rogers gives opening remarks about funding and the legislatuive session in Shawnee Theater Oct. 14, 2014.
to keep the curriculum relevant. “I want to be sure we’re teaching the right things,” Rogers said. “A major obligation of the university is to turn loose of those things that no longer are of use, aren’t relevant artistically, aren’t of use scientifically, and move on to those things that are.” As an example of this ideal, Rogers cited the recent changes made to the curriculum. “We just put in the curriculum the other day a minor in gender studies,” Rogers said. “What are the major issues facing us today? What about inclusion of everyone in our economy and our life? Sixty-five percent of our college graduates and our college attending students are women.” Farrell said Rogers’ contributions to MSU are more than equitable to his time as president. “The dramatic things that Dr. Rogers has done far supersede his tenure here,” Farrell said. “In a very short amount of time, he’s accomplished incredible types of things. He has that ability to take a very challenging occupation—the university president—and do a lot of really incredible things that always enhance the academic integrity.” As Rogers’ time as president comes to a close this August, he said he never wanted to take jobs at other schools, despite offers. “I wanted to teach and do research and write and be with my students,” Rogers said. “And actually I’ve had opportunities to take jobs at other places, at other universities, but it just never seemed right. I never really wanted to leave because always something new was happening. Every freshman class was different.”
megan piehler mass communication junior
“I want the new president to be just as involved as Dr. Rogers is in Caribbean recruitment, and I also want the new president to have Roger’s same spirit.” michele gonsalves business management senior
“I would like to see renovations done on Prothro Yeager, especially some of the older classrooms because they are pretty out dated.” jesse villalobos history freshman
“It would be nice to have some organized recreational sports space on campus. We need some turf fields with lines.” darin young marketing junior
“I’m not sure what all the president does, so I would like a president who makes appearances around campus and gets to know the students.” norman nieto business management sophomore
4B | April 29, 2015 |
Indians built into retiring president Morgan haire reporter
O
ut of 48 years at the university, the university president, Jesse Rogers, was an Indian for 39 of them. “Traditions are very hard to change,” Rogers said. “That’s a little piece of tradition that will always be a part of me.” For 80 years, the Indians were the school and the school was the Indians. No NCAA policy would change that. And their minds were most certainly set. Supporters to the school did not view the Indian mascot as a symbol of racism, but a monument of the area’s heritage. “The Native-American population did not feel betrayed by MSU for choosing the mascot name of The Indians,” said Kenny Boner, a 1995 alumnus. “I’m surprised they haven’t said horses are offended and it is inhumane to have them as a mascot.” “In 2006, I believe was when they finalized it. I finished playing ball in May 2005, so we were the last Lady Indian softball team at MSU,” said Kortney Pritchard, a 2005 alumnus. “We hated the thought of being different, we were the Indians!” The Mustangs were not the only candidates in the race for the new mascot. Two other competitors were beaten out in a selection made by the Board of Regents. In a podcast produced by The Wichitan, Rogers said, “I wanted something that could represent both men and women, I wanted something that could be put on a helmet, and I wanted it to be an alliteration. The Golden Thunder and the armadillos were the other two options— the Armadillos was actually the number one choice of the committee—but I did have the final say” The students, faculty and alumni did not just roll over and become the Mustangs without a fight. The school
Photo by Lauren Roberts | The Wichitan
University President Jesse Rogers holds up the Indian hand sign with the football players as they hold up the Mustang during the playing of the school song after the Midwestern State University v. Eastern New Mexico game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Sept. 20, 2014. appealed the NCAA decision. However the appeals were rejected along with appeals made by 17 other schools. “NCAA indirectly forced everyone to be more cautious about mascots in general,” said Charlie Carr, athletic director. “If you had any ethnic or racial underlying factors, more specifically towards the Native-American culture you wouldn’t be able to host or attend any post season championships.” The remnants of an Indian era are still
present all across campus. The Mustangs have taken their place at the corners of the University but the Sunwatcher statue is still at the heart of the campus. Maverick T. Mustang seems to be the redheaded stepchild of Midwestern State. “I would much rather be an Indian,” said Caleb Nicols, Wichita Falls native and sophomore in business, “because growing up in Wichita Falls that was what I knew. I grew up watching the Indians at sporting events, doing the Indian chop
and my favorite part of homecoming was seeing the Native Americans do their dances when I was younger.” The mascot transition reached a level of conspiracy in the minds of some. Seeing a decision that may have been pushed forward with money was the main concern. And perhaps the fight for the Indian was not as strong as some would expect. “We all believed the change was money driven. No. The Seminoles are still the Seminoles… we should have fought a little harder, I think.” Boner said. The Board of Regents meeting summary from 2005 stated that the students of MSU and residents of Wichita Falls were under the impression that Rogers did not try and fight for the Indians to remain the mascot. Yet even after a long process of appealing, getting a group together and writing NCAA letters about the history and love for The Indians, the appeal got denied. There is also the question of those schools that have retained their NativeAmerican mascots such as the Florida State Seminoles, Tyler Junior College Apaches, and the Bacone College Warriors. There seemed to be a bias against smaller schools that do not pull as much revenue for the NCAA. “At the same time the Native Americans in the area didn’t see it as a racial issue, and we still have plenty of Division I schools that do have Native American ties to their mascot,” Nichols said. The mascot change was one Rogers oversaw during his time at the university, change he found to be very personal. “The mascot change didn’t affect my retirement,” said Rogers. “I understand the reasoning behind it, but the Indians are built into me.”
2
2006
The number of mascot options considered in addition to the Mustangs: The Golden Thunder and the Armadillos.
The year the Midwestern State mascot changed from the Indians to the Mustangs
FILE COMIC BY JOSH BRUNO, 2005 Wichitan
| April 29, 2015 | 5B
Rogers leads
only public liberal arts school
in Texas
jessalyn castro reporter
D
riftwood, terra cotta, old rose, cameo and Cimarron are the colors of the bricks that make up every building on campus and are on file with an MSU supplier and called “The MSU Blend.” The unique architecture that makes up the campus is a reflection of the type of education received on it, not just with the special bricks but being the only Texas school to be recognized by the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. “COPLAC expresses an attitude about broad-based learning and that’s what I like about it,” University President Jesse Rogers said. “My support for liberal arts comes naturally from my interest in everything.” In MSU’s 2005 application for membership in the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, it states before the introduction, “What MSU has done with architecture it seeks to repeat with education: We seek to create a flexible but unified MSU Blend that recognizes the uniqueness of each student within a carefully arranged and harmoniously integrated academic structure. That structure is represented by our liberal arts core curriculum.” COPLAC, established in 1987, and consisting of 28 colleges and universities in 26 states and one Canadian province, works to advance the aims of its members institutions and drive awareness of the value of highquality, public liberal arts education in a student-centered, residential environment. Bill Spellman, the director of COPLAC headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, said in terms of membership, the COPLAC Bylaws restrict membership to one institution per state, thus it is significant that under the leadership of Rogers, MSU was admitted to membership as the public liberal arts institution for the State of Texas. “It was President Rogers who made the decision to pursue membership for Midwestern State University and he has served on the Board for many years,” Spellman said. “The benefits of membership include opportunities for students to participate in multi-campus projects, for faculty members to serve as mentors to students at other campuses, and for administrators to meet for discussion, planning, and collaboration in January and again in June at one of the member campuses.” Samuel Watson, dean of the college of humanities and social sciences, said he became aware of COPLAC in the mid-1990’s and made the initial suggestion that MSU join its ranks.
Photo by Eddie Miller
Bill Spellman visited campus in November of 2015 for the undergraduate research forum.
It was Rogers who made the decision to pursue membership for MSU. He has served on the Board for many years.” Bill Spellman Director, COPLAC
COPLAC named Watson a member of the program committee for the organization after MSU was admitted in 2006 and he served from 2007-2013. His last two years of service have been as program committee chairman. “I learned that there was an organization with these types of universities nationally and that there wasn’t one from Texas. As part of the strategic planning process in the early 2000’s, I suggested that Midwestern State should pursue membership and seek designation as Texas’ public liberal arts university,” Watson said. “The history of Midwestern seemed to align with the goals and values of COPLAC.” Watson said Midwestern was the first university in Texas to adopt a core curriculum to try and make sure all graduates, no matter what their major or area of interest, were well educated people and could adapt to changing trends in the work force. “It just seemed to be what we historically had been and it would give us a peer group across the country to share best practices to share ideas with,” he said. After Watson took the idea to Robert Clark, vice president for administration and institutional effectiveness, the two then presented it to Rogers.
“He [Rogers] agreed and told me to form a committee to explore the possibility of joining COPLAC,” Clark said. Watson said after consideration and deliberation across campus, Rogers led the effort to join COPLAC and be designated a public liberal arts university by the Texas legislature. He said both goals were achieved and MSU entered COPLAC in 2006. Clark said since then the education code in Texas has changed to reflect the fact that MSU is the public liberal arts school to represent COPLAC in Texas. “It’s been a real boon for MSU, in many ways. It’s confirmed what we have felt about this institution for a long time,” Clark said. The liberal arts education that MSU puts an emphasis on, Watson said, is a philosophy of education, as opposed to a specific set of majors, to be well-rounded. “A public liberal arts university focuses on liberal education and training our students to read, write and think, as opposed to a narrow specific job,” Watson said. “In a university like this, there’s an agreement that reading, writing and thinking, no matter what the major, are important.” Watson said in the economy, 10 years from now it is unknown what some of the higher major employment jobs will be because they’ve yet to develop, so with the pace of change that is seen, employees have to be flexible. He said one has to be adaptable and being able to read, write, and think at a high level, one will be marketable, and being narrowly trained in a specific job when that job goes away, you’re not as flexible. “If you’re a lifelong learner, if you have that flexibility in your skill-set, you’re going to do better in the economic dynamic that we’re all facing,” Watson said. COPLAC’s influence on MSU has been mutual as Clark said their committee has been involved in many initiatives including the undergraduate research program EURECA that is offered at schools across the nation including this one. He said these kind of programs allow teachers and students to work with each other across the nation to improve their education. Clark said there was an instance where a woman enrolled at MSU wanting to study French literature, a subject which is not offered on this campus, so she worked with a woman from COPLAC to take that course. “Never pass an opportunity to learn something,” Rogers said. “You never know how many careers you’re going to have or how many jobs you’re going to have.”
The official logo of COPLAC. • COPLAC — Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. • According to “COPLAC - The Evolution of a Vision” by Sam Schuman, COPLAC was founded in 1987 when David Brown, then chancellor of University of North Carolina — Asheville, had the idea to build links between the scattered public liberal arts colleges nationwide. • COPLAC is made up of 29 different colleges in 27 different states and one Canadian province • COPLAC’s governing board consists of 29 presidents and chancellors. • COPLAC’s central office is at the University of North CarolinaAsheville. • The president of COPLAC is Suzanne Shipley, former president of Shepherd University and future president of MSU. • According to the COPLAC website, coplac.org, “The Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges advances the aims of its member institutions and drives awareness of the value of high-quality, public liberal arts education in a student-centered, residential environment.”
6B | April 29, 2015 | 1967 | Enrollment “more than 3,000;” Construction began in August on a new physical education building. 1968 | Karen Rogers played on unofficial women’s basketball team
Photo Courtesy Wai-kun
Rogers works on an experiment as professor in chemistry, 1972.
From Chemistry to Presidency Love for students carried executive beyond the classroom
haleigh wallace reporter
O
ver the course of 40 years, University President Jesse Rogers’ love of science combined with his leadership and professionalism is remembered by all who worked with and studied under him. Rogers has always had a love for science and chemistry. Rogers said, “I am one of the few people who found a passion early on and stuck with it through grad school. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in college, but I had some really good chemistry professors that helped influence my decision. My dad wanted me to be an engineer, so I started in chemical engineering.” Rogers said he changed his major though, on account of wanting to know more about chemistry. He graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1963. Later, in 1967, Rogers earned his doctorate in chemistry from Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, where he grew up. During the fall of the same year, he began his teaching career. In just two years, Rogers would become the chairman of the chemistry department. Norman Horner, retired biology professor and friend of Rogers, said, “Dr. Rogers and I came to Midwestern State University in the fall of 1967. We became friends the first year. He was an assistant professor of chemistry, and I was an instructor in biology.” Outside of work, Horner and Rogers enjoy being outdoors hunting and fishing together.
“We have shared many great fishing and hunting trips through the years. He has remained a true friend for these 47 years,” Horner said. Despite teaching in different departments, Rogers maintained a vested interest in what was happening in other areas of science. Horner said, “Even though he was in chemistry and I was in biology, he was always interested in what was going on in biology. One time, we were talking about the movement of male tarantulas and I stated, ‘I sure would like to know what these guys were doing.’ He suggested putting transmitters on them so we could monitor their movement. It worked! The males were out looking for females. It turned out to be a great project for a graduate student.” Rogers had a unique teaching style and a sense of humor that shines in the classroom. Horner recalled one of his more famous experiments, “I remember another antic he pulled talking about gases. He had two balloons on each side of the desk. One balloon had helium and the other hydrogen. He would turn out all the lights, touch a flame to the helium balloon and get the normal pop you would get if you stuck a pin in a balloon. The hydrogen was a different story. It was an explosion that scared the life out of the students.” Horner said Rogers would fall to the floor, take off his clean lab coat and replace it with one that was scorched and burned, mess up his hair and put his glasses on crooked. After he turned the lights on, students observed what was left of their professor.
ENRICHING MSU FROM 1967-2015
1972 | Rogers named Hardin Professo
1974 | Travis White retires after 18 ye university president; Burns family an donate Fantasy of Lights to MSU; Joh named university president becoming move into the Sikes House; baseball
1975 | Midwestern University rename State University; physical education renamed D.L. Ligon Coliseum
1969 | TKE started; construction of Hardin Gymnasium finished 1970 | University purchases home Louis Sikes to provide residence for MSU presidents; D.L. Ligon retires
JESSE ROGER
A LIFET
1999 | Dallas Cowboys come to MSU for training camp
2000 | Henry Moon hired stays in office one year 1999 | Louis Rodriguez announces retirement 2000 | Cycling team statue dedicated to Team Arrow at closing of Hotter ’N Hell; Clark Student Center rededicated
| April 29, 2015 | 7B
or
1980 | Fall enrollment 4,400; Rogers serves as interim president
ears as nd Archer City hn G. Baker g first family to returns
1981 | Louis Rodriguez named university president
1976 | Rogers became a full professor in 1975 and vice president of academic affairs in 1977
ed Midwestern building
1983 | To move into NCAA Division II, MSU adds five new sports: six men’s team and four women’s teams, dropping baseball and softball to save $50,000 1986 | Renovation of Moffett Library complete; annual Honors Convocation and Women’s Recognition Banquet combined for the first time into the Honors Recognition Banquet
1992 | $4.1 million of new funds raised, $2 million from Marvin E. McCullough 1993 | The Fine Arts Building renamed Fain Fine Arts Center after $2 million gift made from the Fain Foundation; Financial Aid increased from $790,470 in 1982-83 to $5,805,378. Scholarship Aid increased from $150,000 in 1983-84 to $757,741 1994 | Caribbean Student Organization formed; fall enrollment 5,827 1995 | Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority started 1996 | Kappa Sigma Fraternity House burns; Dillard building demolished during Christmas Break
1976 | $5.5 million construction on Fain Fine Arts begins; Ronald Regan visited campus 1978 | Fine Arts building dedicated by Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe 1979 | April 10 — “Terrible Tuesday” tornado
RS:
1988 | After a 32-year absence, football team begins playing again, beating Howard-Payne 23-7; McCulloughTrigg Construction begins; the Presidents Medal for Excellence devised in recognition of students with the highest grade point average; marching band formed
1997 | $6.4 million expansion of Bolin Science Hall completed; MSU becomes a part of Lone Star Conference; construction begins on new three-story nursing department
1996 | Rogers served as vice president for academic affairs from 1981-2001
“When [former students] come by and tell me that somehow I’ve made a difference in their life, I feel like I’ve lived my life well.” University President Jesse Rogers
TIME OF SERVICE Timeline by Ricinda Parks-Turner and Treston Lacy
2006 | University mascot changed from Indian to Mustang; Dillard College 88,000 sq. ft. expansion opened; MSU becomes part of COPLAC
d as president;
2009 | Wellness Center open and operated; Sundance Courts opened to students 2001 | Board of Regents hires Rogers as interim president
2010 | Dillard College of Business Administration nationally accredited; highest peak 6,426 students
2012 | Karen and Jesse Rogers receive a permanent preservation award plaque for Sikes House, home of the MSU president, at the 32nd annual Wichita County Heritage Society Preservation Award and Volunteer Recognition Banquet
2014 | Jesse Rogers announced his retirement May 9 to the Board of Regents at a regularly scheduled meeting 2015 | Board names Suzanne Shipley as 11th university president; enrollment 5,874 students
8B | April 29, 2015 |
Inside the presidential office Office staff describe life working with university president
Jessica Cottingham & chris Marten reporterS
E
very week, the office of University President Jesse Rogers can a be busy place with university officials, donors and staff. Yet behind all of that, there are three women who work closely with Rogers on a day-to-day basis. They are the ones who truly see the president and know just how hard working, and relaxed, he really is. Ruth Ann Ray, assistant to the president, has worked in the president’s office for eight years. She said one of the most challenging parts of working in the office is greeting people with the right attitude that comes to the door. “Dr. Rogers comes in every day and he is ready to work,” Ray said. “I have never seen a man work more hours. He’s here every day and when he is ready to work, you’re ready to work for him.” Debbie Barrow, director of Board and Government Relations, has worked in the president’s office for 35 years. Over the years, she has worked with four presidents, but she said her relationship with Rogers has grown leaps and bounds over the years and it’s something that keeps the university moving forward. “Each president that I’ve worked for has different needs and different things that they thought were important, so I think that we found a nice balance with our office staff to help make it go smoothly. We have a very strong team, and we work well together.” Barrow met Rogers when she was 22 years old and was a student worker in the president’s office when he was the vice president of academic affairs. “He has been in the big events in my life. He was there when I got married,” Barrow said. “He’s seen me pregnant, watched my daughter grow up and I feel like he is a part of my family and has been a really good part.” As part of her job, Barrow and Rogers regularly travel to Austin to meet with Texas legislators to discuss matters of higher education. In these political exchanges, she said, she has been along with Rogers, fighting for college funding and other issues that affect college campus statewide. According to Barrow, those trips over the years have been an important part of keeping MSU funded and profitable. Rogers’ strong track record of getting things done is something his executive
Photo by Rachel Johnson | The Wichitan
The ladies of the president’s office: Ruth Ann Ray, assistant to the president, and Cindy Ashlock, executive assistant to the president, with Rogers. Debbie Barrow is not pictured.
deadlines and constant coming secretary Cindy Ashlock agrees and going from his office at with. a moment’s notice, Ashlock “During his presidency, he still finds that he creates a has raised roughly over $90 comfortable atmosphere for his million in donation funds,” staff. Ashlock said. “I can’t raise $90 “He has the best sense of much less $90 million. That’s humor. Sometimes during just incredible.” the day it will be stressful, and As his executive secretary, we will look up funny videos. Ashlock deals one-on-one One time, he was leaning over with the president on his laughing from appointments, travel a video we saw arrangements, and online.” sometimes serves at Approximately his comic relief. six years ago “I met him when Ashlock mentioned I first started here a prank that stands and I thought he as one of the most was such a dork and humorous days in so funny and fun to Debbie Barrow work with on that Director of Board and Government their professional relationship. level,” Ashlock said. Relations “That day I hid “He’s a lot of fun under his desk,” to work for. He’s a scientist by training so you think of a Ashlock said. “When he came in I pranked pencil—holder geek type, but he spreads him by grabbing his legs as he came over. He jumped out of his skin, and possibly outside of that. It’s been a fun 14 years.” While “fun”may not be the first thing said a few choice words in the process.” Ashlock had succeeded in her prank that comes to mind, these three women on Rogers, though it had unintended have proven the contrary. “I’m the comic relief, Ruth is mother consequences for her as well. “It didn’t go off like it had in my head,” perfect, and Debbie is Debbie do-right,” Ashlock said. “I actually had trouble Ashlock said. “Dr. Rogers is like the dad.” Through the president’s administrative getting out from under the desk.”
“We found a nice balance with our office staff to help make it go smoothly.”
Apart from his comical relief in the office, Ray added he also brings a gentlemanly nature to the office. “This office used to be configured differently,” said Ray, recalling a time when a desk was stationed closer to the entrance. “I took off walking and fell over a chair flat on my face. Dr. Rogers tried to help me back up and I yelled ‘don’t touch me’ and he said ‘OK’.” While all three women, Ray, Ashlock and Barrow, have worked with the president for many years, Barrow has worked with him the longest. “He has always been a real person to me, I guess because I’ve always known him that way. He was there when I got married, and has been around forever,” Barrow said. Since becoming director of board and government relations, the daily interaction between Rogers and Barrow has changed in terms of content. “In the early days we had constant communication,” Barrow said. “Now we sit down either every day or every other day and talk about the board of relations and policy. We all recognize we are here to do an important job, but we play hard too. Rogers is a great person to work for, and there’s a good balance between getting down to business and being able to laugh as well.” Barrow was aware of Rogers’ unique sense of humor even before he was president. “During his time as vice president, I had a birthday party that was tie-die themed,” said Barrow. “He walked in dressed as Elvis.” Though there are times of relaxation like these in the office, Rogers is able to relate to his staff on varying levels and switch the focus to their obligations if need be. “He has his down time occasionally,” said Barrow. “We always laugh about Saturday Night Live skits and even had a student worker that could do imitations of old cast members like Gilda Radner. He’s also able to talk with others about so many outside interests like sports and art. In some ways it reminds me of a renaissance man, though when it’s time for business he knows it.” All three ladies said they believe the new president will give just as much devotion to the University and its staff just as Rogers did and say their team will remain strong even after Rogers is gone.
| April 29, 2015 | 9B
From prairie dogs to fundraising,
Rogers remembers good times nizhoni terronez reporter
O
ne of the university president’s fondest memories is that of a small prairie dog park that used to be part of campus. “I would sit in the window sill while I would be eating something on the lab bench,” University President Jesse Rogers said. “My students would be in there studying and waiting. Beneath the south window that’s between Bolin science hall and the D. L. Ligon coliseum was a prairie dog town.” Rogers explained that the little prairie dog town was once one of the campus’ biggest attractions, but it’s now one of his favorite memories of what the campus was once like. “I know that sounds like an old man reminiscing but that tells you how much the campus has changed,” Rogers said. “People would come far and wide to see Midwestern State University’s prairie dog town.” Fast-forward 48 years, and the former chemistry teacher is preparing for his retirement as the university president. His career path has changed. He has worn many hats as a faculty member at the campus, starting out as a chemistry and physics professor, interim president, vice president for academic affairs, and then finally university president. Rogers said one of his favorite moments during his career was when he was a chemistry
teacher. He said some of his best memories are from students he taught who come back and visit him. “They are orthopedic surgeons, one’s a professor at Harvard, one’s a trauma surgeon,” Rogers said. “When they come by and tell me that I somehow made a difference in their life, I feel like I’ve lived my life well. I feel like all the mistakes I made go away and all the good decisions I’ve made really did pay off. We don’t all get that opportunity.” In 1967 Rogers began his career as a professor on campus. Even with his promotions to interim president and vice president, Rogers still taught a chemistry class every semester. He said when he became president he had to give up teaching because of his hectic schedule and time on the road. “I’m not ever going to quit missing getting to know students like I did when I taught them,” Rogers said. “I gave that up in the year 2000 but I will always cherish those years.” Rogers said his experience as university president has helped him develop and enhance his people skills and his ease around others. “I was probably a little too dismissive, and a little too busy and self-involved,” Rogers said. “If I’ve learned anything, it’s to work with people one-on-one. I think I’ve learned a lot more about people and interacting with people and I’ve learned more about sensitivity.” Rogers said during his time as president, he’s gotten to know the school’s main donors and contributors. He says when he retires one of the main things he will miss is the all the close interaction with the university’s benefactors and contributors who have now become his close friends. “This institution cannot be what it is without really significant donors,” Rogers said. “You’ve got to learn a donor’s wishes and what they are really interested in and talk to them about it and develop a trust in the university. And, when I’m dealing with a person that we’re asking $5 million of, trying to build that trust is really important. As a university, we live in a very generous community. They have given us millions of dollars. We could not be doing a lot of things if it weren’t for those donors.” Rogers said one of the biggest regrets he has during his time was falling out of touch with students and faculty during his presidency. He said his time as president has kept him extremely busy.
Photo by Bradley Wilson | The Wichitan
University President Jesse Rogers gets water dumped on him in an effort to raise money for Lou Gehrig’s disease. Rogers took the “Ice Bucket” challenge from officials at West Texas A&M and passed the challenge along to Angelo State University President Brian May. “I started out knowing all of the faculty. We were a small enough university I knew every faculty member on this campus,” Rogers said. “Particularly while I was the Provost when I hired most of the faculty, I knew them well, I was close to them. As president my time in fundraising in Austin and just the paperwork I deal with has taken me away from the faculty and the students.” Rogers explained that when he first came to the campus, he never expected to one day become the university’s president. He said although he is looking forward to his retirement in August and spending time with his family—especially his granddaughter—Rogers said will miss working with his staff, faculty, donors, and students. “When I shake your hand when you walk across that stage up there I see what this institution is doing,” Rogers said. “I know that I, along with the deans, faculty, and the other vice presidents, have a lot to do with young people’s lives. I would say it’s a stressful job, but it is the most rewarding job that I’ve had here.”
Photo by Lauren Roberts | The Wichitan
University President Jesse Rogers sits on Santa’s lap at the Fantasy of Lights opening Dec. 10, 2014.
10B | April 29, 2015 |
Board follows formula to hire successor Step Five: interview candidates
austin quintero editor
The former president must announce retirement. Jesse Rogers, president of MSU and longtime member of the school, is retiring this year. His final days as president of the University will be Aug. 8 when the new president will take his place.
The top three candidates meet with faculty, staff, students and the public. Each finalist holds a panel where any member of the MSU and local communities are able to ask questions and where the candidate delivers a spoken resume. “We can create a safe environment here by looking out for each other, by being there for each other, by caring for each other,” Robert Nelsen, the third presidential candidate to visit MSU, said in his speech to attendees.
Step Two: brainstorming
Step Six: make offer
T
he Board of Regents members took six steps to hire the next MSU president.
Step One: Announcement
Students and faculty begin their brainstorming as to what they want in a new president. “The president should continue with more building projects like Mustangs Walk for example, that would make for a more attractive campus,” said Wesley Bynum, marketing junior. “The new president needs to be someone who will help our school grow not only in numbers, but in school spirit,” said Kaitlynn Watterson, nursing sophmore.
Step Three: hire a search firm
Midwestern went with the search firm Academic Search. The goal of the firm was to find well rounded candidates who fit specific needs and qualifications of the university. “The firm has conducted dozens of presidential searches for universities including Arkansas Tech University, Columbia College, McMurry University, Philander Smith College, University of Alabama, Texas A&M University, Abilene Christian University and Texas
Photo by Rachel Johnson | The Wichitan
Suzanne Shipley, former president of Shephard University and future president of MSU, answers questions from reporters before a forum Feb. 24.
Tech Health and Sciences Center,” said Debbie Barrow, director of board and government relations. The firm, on behalf of the school, sifts through thousands of applicants ensuring background checks and interviews are done, to finish with 53 presidential possibilities.
Step Four: appoint a committee
The committee appointed by the Board of Regents narrowed down the 53 applicants to 11. Once the 11 potential candidates are brought in for interviews, the search advisory committee narrows down the candidates to just three.
Next, the Board of Regents choose the single finalist. Members of the board include: Chairman Shawn Hessing, Vice Chairman Michael Bernhardt, Secretary J. Kenneth Bryant, Tiffany D. Burks, R. Caven Crosnoe, R. Caven Crosnoe, Jeff Gregg, Nancy Marks, Samuel M. Sanchez and non-voting, student member Jesse Brown. On March 9, Board members selected the final candidate as Suzanne Shipley, president of COPLAC and former president of Shepard University. “I’m excited,” said Jesse Brown, criminal justice junior and student regent, after the Board’s final three-hour meeting to select the last candidate. “I know she’s going to do a fantastic job. The Shepherd University board does not want to let her go, so that means we’re definitely doing something right.” Shawn Hessing, chairman of the Board of Regents, said in a press release, “From the beginning the committee and board knew that we wanted someone who was best for the university and best for Wichita Falls. We have that in Suzanne Shipley.”
PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Chairman Shawn Hessing, Board of Regents member | Vice Chairman Mike Bernhardt, MSU graduate | Caven Crosnoe, Board of Regents member | Tiffany Burks, Board of Regents member | David Carlston, chair of the Faculty Senate, associate Psychology professor and graduate program coordinator | Ranette Halverson, chair and professor of computer science | Samuel Watson, dean of Prothro-Yeager College of Humanities & Social Sciences and political science professor | Dirk Welch, chair of the Staff Senate and director of Career Management & Testing | Mac Cannedy, community member, Regent Emeritus and MSU graduate | Darrell Coleman, community member and MSU graduate | Carol Gunn, MSU graduate and former regent | Rebecca Stogner, president of Student Government Association
What do you want to see in the new president? “I want someone who is big on tradition and will build on what we already have here.” madeline parker political science and international studies junior
“The president should continue with more projects like Mustangs Walk that make for a more attractive campus.” wesley bynum marketing junior
Board names Shipley as next president Austin quintero editor
The nine voting members of the Board of Regents made history when, after a 10-month search, they named Suzanne Shipley as the first woman and 11th MSU president. Rogers spent his whole career at MSU, meaning that when he took office everyone already had an idea who he was. Growing up in the Texas panhandle, Shipley participated in campus performances, athletic events, and summer programs for children at nearby Texas Tech University, the same school from where she obtained both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. “I am from Texas,” Shipley said. “I grew up in Lubbock and I love the landscape and size of Wichita Falls.” She started her career working at University of Cincinnati in Ohio, and later worked at universities in Arizona and Maryland before moving to West Virginia to her former position as president of Shepard University and current president of the Council of Public Liberal Art Colleges. However, through all her travels, MSU was able to catch her eye. “The range of programs is remarkable for a public liberal arts institution,” Shipley said. “The variety in degrees in health sciences, engineering and human services, alongside art, science, humanties and business and education, was very impressive.” While the Board of Regents selected Shipley as the “final candidate” back in early March, she wasn’t appointed until the end of the month and will begin her term as president in August. For those who feel Shipley may not know enough about the campus, she says she has an open-door policy to adhere to student and faculty concerns. “They’ll see I’m very available on campus,” Shipley said. “I interact with students just about everyday, that’s the best part of the job. I try to be there whenever they need me.” One person that doesn’t worry how the community will accept her is the soon to be future former MSU president. “There’s no doubt that they will accept Dr. Shipley with open arms,” Rogers said. “She’s been in important and difficult jobs, she’s at a university today that’s very much like Midwestern State University, and I don’t have any doubt that she is going to be a student and a faculty and a community president.” Rogers spent his entire 48-year professional career at MSU. Shipley says she is a new president, with a new vision and while still plans to build on what Rogers has created, hopes to induce change as well. “When you are some place longer you develop deep ties.” Shipley said. “With fresh eyes you get a new perspective. The way I look at things will be different and I believe will be well received.”
| April 29, 2015 | 11B
Passing the baton
Retiring university president confident in successor’s capabilities ers never expected nor considered to be a part of his life plan, until it fell upon resident Jesse Rogers is retiring him after holding many other positions from his longtime position as at Midwestern. When Rogers first took president of Midwestern State in office, he was aided by friends, faculty August 2015. This leaves the obvious and students he had worked with and question of who will be the next univer- taught for almost half his life. The new president unfortunately won’t have this sity president. New rules, new policies, and a differ- advantage. “It’s important for the new president ent form of structure are what rests on the restless minds across the university, to take special interest in every group at with students worrying about tuition, the University,” Rogers said. “They must professors curious about their curricu- come in with an open door and not be lum, faculty and staff wondering about closed off to any ideas.” Ruth Ann Ray, assistant to the presitheir jobs. Rogers’ philosophy for education is dent since 2007, said she believes that Rogers’ biggest to have integrity in teachcontribution to ing. He believes that stuthe school has dents can never learn been his outstandenough about different ing amount of things, and has a strong fundraising and belief on being interested hopes to see it in in everything. the new president “Be interested in as well. Not only something, learn everyis it healthy for the thing you can,” Rogers school, but also for said, simply, bluntly and the students and straight to the point. jesse rogers faculty. These words are the university president “Students can ones Rogers has lived by benefit directly for a long time, and he knows this is how he encourages new from it and continue to grow and expeople whether it be his staff, students pand their education resources,” Ray or somebody taking his place. Rogers said. The additions Rogers has made to the knows his successor will be a great fit for MSU and will have the belief of integrity campus and the different colleges has been remarkable, it’s constantly growin teaching. “For years presidents would come in ing and becoming more developed beand really change everything about the cause of the money that has been raised. system,” Rogers said. “We have a won- Ray being an alumni has given her the opportunity to watch this first hand. derful foundation.” Ray has seen many accomplishments “Whoever takes over needs to build on our foundation, that doesn’t really and struggles with Rogers as president, happen though.” Rogers said. “Most but no matter what goes on or how presidents today are usually more en- much stress he takes he always tends to bring out the best in people. She would lightened on higher education.” Rogers said he knows that MSU has a like to see the next president be just as strong structure at the moment, but also involved with the university as a whole is aware that there are things that they and get to know how people work. “They must come in with the idea of need to do for Midwestern that can help watching people and getting to know it grow. “Universities are bigger than presi- the personalities of the faculty and students, and I think most presidents will dents,” Ray said. Rogers knows that the job of being realize that.” Rogers said. He wants Suzanne Shipley hired as the next presi- president is tough and stressful because dent in March, to understand every- of important responsibilities for the unithing about MSU and to understand versity. “Very rewarding job, very strenuous that the university is the main priority. Everything should be focused into job, someone needs to be hardworking,” promoting the University in a positive Rogers said. “There are a lot of practical and pomanner. Being the president is a job that Rog- litical issues I will have to address with
Kellie Martin and Avery whaite reporters
P
“Be interested in something, learn everything you can.”
Photo by Rachel Johnson | The Wichitan
Suzanne Shipley, former president of Shephard University, and new president at MSU, answers questions at a forum Feb. 24. whoever is the new president,” Rogers said. “All of the commitments I’ve made to MSU Foundation and trusts will all be expected to still be carried through once I’m gone.” The new president must understand that there will be a lot of people who have been given or promised something from Rogers. His said he hopes the new president will carry through with these promises to maintain the integrity of the school. Rogers wants Shipley to get involved in the university, but he is aware that this won’t happen overnight, so he plans to help the president out at first to help them understand everything going on and she can get engaged with students, faculty and the university. “This is the biggest and most important job the president will have,” Rogers said. Apart from the straight forward of the issue, the most important thing to Rogers is the education. “The curriculum is right and it’s modern,” Rogers said. “It’s all about the students learning the absolute most they can during their time here.” Rogers said he wants students to learn just as much here as they would at any other university, even D1.
Rogers also said he expects Shipley to get out of her comfort zone and connect with everyone on campus. “Basically, just get out there and talk to students and faculty. Ask them their major or what kind of things they want from them. Also give them what they want to hear,” Rogers said. It’s important for this biggest figure on campus to understand everyone below them, and to work hard to try and grant students and faculty their wishes. “Really have an open door to try and get to know the faculty. It’s not going to happen quickly. It will be a process,” Rogers said. He said Shipley must be able and willing to let faculty and students into her life. It’s the most important thing for him to engage with them on a personal level also. They have to be willing to create strong relationships that aren’t strictly work. “Get to know your co-workers,” Rogers said. “Go to social occasions to meet students and faculty. I can’t stress enough how important it is for ‘face-toface.” Rogers said he knows Shipley will be a great fit for the school, and is confident that she will respect the continuing mission of MSU.
12B |Â April 29, 2015 |