University of Denver - Kynewisbok Yearbook (Denver, CO)

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News Chancellor Dwight Smith Stabilization of the attrition rate, the success of academic reorganization and improved advising give the Chancellor a base on which to build success. Four Years Find Smith Still Strong The 1987-88 academic year was a productive one for Dwight M. Smith, chancellor of the University of Denver. In the past nine months, he has seen great things happen to the University that he brought out of a potentially fatal slump, and students can be proud of what he has accomplished. The extensive reorganization of the undergraduate programs, including the Core Curriculum and The College has taken place and is flourishing admirably. Additionally, increasing student enrollment. another of his main concerns, has also occurred, with freshmen enrollment exceeding projected figures by 60 students. The student attrition rate is also stabilizing as more students decide to complete their four-year degrees at DU than in recent times. The implementation of the Central Advising System (CAS) occurred this year under the direction of the Chancellor enabling students to be advised in all areas of study rather than merely within the realm of their specific major. CAS is running better than expected, and the freshmen and sophomores that have utilized the system hold it in high regard. The successful administration of these programs combined with an increased awareness of DU's standing in the community arc all accomplishments that Smith can be proud of. In the future. Smith would like to focus on student life to make the undergraduate experience more enjoyable as well as more academically sound. Some of his ideas include bringing more concerts to the school, engaging the Driscoll Center pub in more campus-wide activities. and establishing more traditional events like Winter Carnival. So what has Dwight Smith done for DU? All of the changes that he has implemented in his four-year stint as Chancellor arc ones that upperclassmen have experienced first hand. As a result of the changes, we arc leaving a DU that is considerably more sound than the institution we entered four years ago. By Kristen Kopplin

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News Wood Named Provost; Faculty to Take Priority 4Harvard of the West' image will be phased out On September 25. 1987. DU decided to pursue the current trend in private university governance through the appointment of a provost Roy G. Wood, formerly Dean of the School of Speech at Northwestern University, became second in command at the University, with his responsibilities based in formulating academic and budgetary policies. He was the choice for the newly created position because of his strong DU background. Wood earned his B.A.. M.A.. and Ph.D here in the early 1960 s. I'm very excited about coming back to Denver. he said. There have been so many positive changes in the University. It is really positioned to move forward. His efforts this year have focused on getting to know DU. its faculty, students, traditions, and policies. A key concern for Wood is defining the University’s mission for the future. He would like to eliminate the Harvard of the West philosophy of previous years, asserting that DU should establish a name of its own based on the merits of an excellent liberal arts program and the credentials of its faculty. The position of provost was created at DU to relieve pressure on the Chancellor's office, as his job as president had garnered too many responsibilities for one person to handle. Chancellor Dwight Smith had been evaluating the possibility of creating this position for the last few years but wanted to wait until he had reorganized and better defined the University's goals before he decided to make it a reality this fall. The addition of a provost is expected to help DU sharpen its competitive edge for the ensuing years by becoming a more sharply focused and distinctive university in its own fight With his strong commitment to excellence in general and to the private higher education system in particular. Roy Wood may prove to be the nght man for the job. By Kristen Kopplin 8

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News Alumnus To Assume AD Spot Craig Patrick “He’s a very solid individual — not flashy. He’s well known and very well respected in the sports world. ” — Vice Chancellor Tom Goodale and very well-rcspected in the sports world. Although the committee appears to have mude an outstanding choice to replace Cillo. the search process was a difficult one. It began in April, shortly after Cillo announced his retirement and struggled through August with the field of applicants narrowed to zero. Deciding that none of the applicants were a match for the University. according to Goodale. the search committee called Patrick, who was currently working with Team USA in the Canada Cup. On the morning of Wednesday. ScpL 9, Goodale called Patrick about the position By Wednesday night. Patrick was on a plane headed for Denver. Two days of discussions with members of the DU faculty followed and by Monday morning. he had agreed to take the job. I love Denver and I love DU the soft-spoken Patrick said. Its a wonderful situation to return to “It (the program) has been left in a very strong state. I think there is a great future for all of the athletic programs By Dan Davis 10