“Speak up!” Student voice to influence the choice of Viterbo’s tenth president

An incredibly rare opportunity has been given to the students of Viterbo University. Following the abrupt departure of Glena Temple, ninth president of Viterbo, in June of 2021, Viterbo’s Board of Trustees has the job of choosing the tenth president of Viterbo, a job they want to share with the entire Viterbo student body. To accomplish this goal, the board is offering opportunities to engage the Viterbo community and obtain their input, but student attendance is lacking. 

In May of 2021 Viterbo administration was notified that Temple had accepted a job opportunity at another university. Temple has since been appointed as the eleventh president of Dominican University, in River Forest, Ill. In her absence, The Board of Trustees offered the position of interim president to Rick Trietley, former vice president of student affairs. 

“I was notified in late April,” Trietley said. “Everything happened very quickly, but I was honored to accept the position. Like I told the board then and still believe now, I am willing to do anything I can to help Viterbo University; if [the board] felt confident in my abilities to serve as president, then I was more than willing to do it.”  Though the board deemed Trietley as well capable to run things, his contract is up in June of 2022, and the process to establish a permanent president is far from over. To lighten the stress of having to make the ‘right choice,’ John McHugh, board chair, and Stephanie Thorson-Olesen, faculty council Chair, hope to see more engagement from students. 

Thursday, Nov. 11, two listening sessions were hosted by Viterbo’s Board of Trustees and led by McHugh. The first session was for Viterbo employees and the second for students. According to Thorson-Olesen “the purpose of the listening sessions was to identify what we as a campus community are looking for in the next Viterbo University President.” In other words, they are looking for help in writing the job description.   

In attendance and advocating on behalf of the student voice was Logan Jancsurak, junior theatre major, student body president. “I chose to attend because I believe the student voice is important in decision making processes at Viterbo.” Jancsurak said. “I will be looking for more opportunities like this to give my voice and share the voices of my peers. Students should prioritize events like this or else the change they want to see won’t happen.” 

Some of criteria included in the board’s job description states candidates must be a practicing Catholic, embody all Franciscan Values of hospitality, service, integrity, stewardship, and contemplation, be a great spokesperson, an exceptional servant leader, a skilled fundraiser, and a successful faculty member or high-level administrator at a college or university. Additional criteria added by students, thus far, include being personable, an advocate for diversity and inclusivity, and a regular attendee of student events and performances. 

 The “practicing Catholic,” requirement seemed to spark student concern, however. Several students at the listening session raised questions, curious about it being a “non-negotiable requirement.” Jancsurak spoke on this specifically saying, “I was disappointed that being a practicing Catholic is a requirement, as I think it limits a large number of possible applicants for the position.” 

The answer to these questions was given by McHugh. McHugh said that because of its FSPA foundations, Viterbo is a private institution which upholds their Franciscan Catholic Identity.  This identity is continually determined by the Bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse, William P. Callahan. To maintain Viterbo’s Catholic identity, the Board of Trustees must adhere to the wishes of Bishop Callahan and Viterbo Ministries. Therefore, as of now, the requirement stands. 

More opportunities for students and faculty are to be announced in the coming weeks but, at the time of this article, have yet to be announced. “Another important part of the listening sessions,” Thorson-Olesen stated, “was to help determine the next steps. As that process comes together, please continue to be involved.”  

“Students have a powerful voice,” stated Trietley. “It is very rare, especially in higher-ed, where the Board of Trustees say, ‘We want the students to be a part of this. Tell us what you think we need.’ So, if students choose not to say anything, unfortunately, ‘you get what you get.’ But, if they want to influence the process, speak up!”  

The Lumen will continue to cover this story as it develops.