University of Miami - The Ibis Yearbook

“UM President Edward Thaddeus " Tad " Foote II came to the University as " the newest student on this campus. " Much homework was done in order for him to fully understand how U.M. operates, and to discover its strengths as well as its weaknesses. While studying, Foote kept in mind his " immodest goals for this University — this place ought to be one of the greatest Universities in the world. " Foote ' s high aspirations for the University are not unrealistic and he says: " It can happen if people believe it can happen. " In striving for these goals, Foote plans to develop programs that will attract top students and faculty. " To bring in a top flight scholar or student here is an extremely satisfying thing. " " The most enjoyable and interesting part of my job is students. Students are why we ' re here. They ought to work hard and have fun, " he says. Foote said that the high points of his career are those when he has been involved with students. Before coming to U. M. , Foote was involved with students as the dean of the Washington University Law School. Prior to 1 9 " 73, when he became dean, he was the Vice Chancellor, General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Trustees. Foote graduated from Yale University and received his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Before entering Law School, he was a reporter for the Washington Daily Nawa and Washington Star newspapers. " I love journalism, " Foote said. " I think it has a great role to play. " Foote says that he brings to U. M. " a lot of hope and confidence. " " I hope I bring some new ideas and a fresh outlook, " he said. Some of Foote ' s " new ideas " have been to reorganize the structure of the administration. Foote said that before one can make any major changes in the University, the administration must operate with maximum efficiency. Thus, he worked to establish the " leanest, most efficient administrative structure possible to support the academic mission. " He emphasized that it is important to evaluate and reevaluate how the University works. When Foote was inaugurated on December A, 1 981 , he outlined his future plans and ultimate goals for U.M. When the Board of Trustees elected President Foote, he became the " newest student on this campus. " He evaluated the University and set up his plans for U.M. ' s future. One might say that upon his inauguration, he was no longer a student, but a graduate ready to take on and lead the University of Miami. By Amy Jacoves Fooce 1 3 ”