University of Wisconsin Oshkosh - Quiver Yearbook (Oshkosh, WI)

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After bein£ away from Oshkosh for six years, Executive Vice Chancellor Robert Polk does not find the campus too much different except for the students. Students are changed from when I was here six years ago. They're more sophisticated; concerned with world problems and institutionally more aware,” he commented. Polk wasn’t taken aback by blue jeans or long hair. Years ago people were poor and a good pair of blue jeans was good, he saia with a smile. As for today’s student he reflected by saying, People want to do their thing. The reason for doing it is important. If it’s for a lark, that’s something else. That’s like an identity crisis; trying to figure out who you are. As though he were keenly aware of the inevitable question, Polk remained cool without facial alteration when asked about his possibility of becoming chancellor. I do not contemplate any administrative position on campus, he stressed. Because I do have an association with this institution that’s why I came back. I have the background knowledge that someone new at it would take too long to learn. Polk was on the committee for the construction of the Fine Arts Building, Library, Nursing-Education Building and the Administrative Wing on Dempsey. He also visits Oshkosh to see his motner and sisters about four or five times a year. Too, he has a son here, Dan, who is a junior majoring in sociology. Thus, as Polk put it, “I've really never felt divorced from Oshkosh. Although many people are leery about the future of this university because of teacher cuts and budget disputes, Polk has an optimistic opinion of its future. 14