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thursday, september 6, 2018
ADMINISTRATION
ADMINISTRATION
Outlining the future
Staben projects positive last year at faculty meeting Elizabeth Marshall Argonaut
From Radford, Morrison then traveled to Virginia State University to pursue his master’s degree in educational leadership. After completing his graduate studies, then earned his doctorate from North Carolina State University. During his time at school, Morrison joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, an organization whose notable alumni include Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall and jazz artist Lionel Hampton, the namesake of University of Idaho’s annual Jazz fest. Morrison said he took his positive experiences among the Greek community into his professional life, especially when he joined the UI staff in 2015. “I think the Greek community is very vibrant. It brings a lot of excitement and energy to campus,” Morrison said. “Typically, we can lean on the Greek community when we need something to get done. They do a lot of service in the community, they raise funds. They’re a good group, and I’m glad I’ve had the experience of working with them.”
In the first faculty meeting since announcing his departure, University of Idaho President Chuck Staben spoke on a breadth of topics regarding the university’s future. He opened with a message of positivity and care for this academic year, and said that his departure won’t inhibit the university’s progress on academic and administrative fronts. “This is the last year of my presidency and some might ask ‘well what does that mean?’ To me it means that I want to ensure that it is a successful year for the university and that it is a year that positions us for the future,” Staben said. “I care deeply about public higher education. I care deeply about the University of Idaho and I want to keep moving us forward.” Staben’s contract with the State Board of Education expires next June. The State Board of Education expects to name an executive search firm to manage the search for a new president this month. Staben also signaled that administrators are working toward a plan to reduce the athletic department’s budget deficit. The deficit was $750,000 at the end of last fiscal year, Staben said, and that officials are expecting another significant deficit when this fiscal year ends. He said he has asked Interim Athletic Director Pete Isakson and Vice President of Finance Brian Foisy to come up with a long-term plan to slowly close the department’s budget deficit. Isakson held the role of acting athletic director since former Athletic Director Rob Spear was put on administrative leave in April. Spear announced last Friday Isakson would become interim, and would remain in that role throughout the remainder of Staben’s time leading UI.
SEE STUDENT PAGE 5
SEE OUTLINING, PAGE 5
Courtesy | Melissa Hartley
Hassel Morrison throws at the dunk tank to raise funds for scholarships.
Student-first mentality Hassel Morrison departs UI after three years of engaging and encouraging students Brandon Hill Argonaut
As Hassel Morrison strode into the Dean of Students Office Friday morning, he greeted the half dozen students waiting in the lobby. He shook some hands, said some “hellos” and made small talk before stepping into his office, cluttered from days of packing. “I’ve had a great opportunity to be a part of this family,” he said. “I’ve had great experiences here. I’m really going to miss it here, and I’ve got a feeling the future is going to be bright.” After three years as associate dean of students at UI, Morrison will depart for Minnesota, where he will serve as vice president of student life at St. Olaf College. His last scheduled day at UI is Sept. 7. Morrison, who made his career helping young people navigate tricky educational paths, said his days begin — and end — with students.
“I’m always pushing students to do more, be better, to help change the world,” he said. “I believe that every student that comes to college has the ability to do something great.” Morrison said he strictly abides by a selfimposed 24/7 open-door policy. No student who reaches out to his office will feel abandoned, he said. From the time he began studying criminal justice at Radford University in Virginia, Morrison said he always felt a connection with people. After changing majors and completing an undergraduate degree in media studies, he slowly began to realize his natural born skill of connecting with others might be better suited for a different career path. Recalling interactions with mentors and advisers during his time in college, Morrison credited much of his decision to pursuing a career in education to the help he received from older individuals at Radford. “I connected with this faculty person that was really influential. I felt like he cared about me as a person,” he said “He wanted me to be successful. I felt like whether I went to Radford or not, he wanted to see me succeed.”
CAMPUS LIFE
Take it into the sunshine Elk Creek Falls for $20 on Sept. 9 and backpacking overnight through River Canyon Sandra Townsend does not believe in for $40 Oct. 6 and Oct. 7. Students can sign up for these and any indoors people. For her and the rest of the staff at the other outdoor program event at the Outdoor University of Idaho Outdoor Program, Program Office in the Student Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. anyone can find something to do outside. Staff accommodate students “There are a lot of folks who from a variety of backgrounds hear the word ‘outdoors,’ and and skill levels, said Sarah Page, a then they just tune right out,” student assistant coordinator. said Townsend, an outdoor “Sometimes it can be kind program coordinator. “They’re of tricky, but for the most part it like, ‘I’m an inside person,’ which hasn’t been an issue,” Page said. is false. Everyone goes outside.” “The majority of our trips are With classes, organized trips geared toward beginners, so we and discounted equipment try to make them accessible.” rentals, the outdoor program tries Sandra Townsend Regardless of skill level, to make it easy for all students to Townsend said most who take adexplore the great outdoors. For complete beginners, Townsend said the vantage of the outdoor program leave happy. “We offer an avenue for everyone of all upcoming “Intro to Outdoors” set of events is abilities to go outside,” Townsend said. Later a good introduction to the wilderness. The outdoor program will provide in- in the fall, the outdoor program will host a struction, transportation and equipment bike-packing trip. Participants will tour the for paddle boarding at Spring Valley Res- Palouse Range, riding north of Moscow ervoir for $30 on Sept. 5, hiking through Mountain from Sept. 29 to Sept. 30. Danny Bugingo Argonaut
“It’s just like backpacking but with your mountain bike,” Townsend said. During Thanksgiving break, students will have the opportunity go backpacking through sandstone canyons in Utah. “There’s nothing like having five whole days in the desert,” said Sarah Page, who co-led last year’s trip with Townsend. “The Utah trip was a complete blast.” Students who choose not to participate in any outdoor program trip can still make use of the rental center for their own excursions. The center is the largest in the Northwest according to Townsend, boasting anything from climbing shoes to canoes. “We have about half a million dollars’ worth of outdoor equipment for students to use,” Townsend said. “It’s an incredible resource.” More information about equipment rentals or the outdoor program’s events can be found on the program’s page on the UI website or at the program’s location in the Student Recreation Center. Danny Bugingo can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu.
The Outdoor Program makes it easy for students to go outside
Alexandra Stutzman | Argonaut
Snowboards in the recreation center.
IN THIS ISSUE
Idaho football prepares for its home opener Saturday.
SPORTS, 9
News, 1
Arts, 6
Sports, 9
Opinion, 13
Students should know their resources. Read our view.
Students further passions in the UI Orchestra.
OPINION, 11
University of Idaho
ARTS, 5 Volume 121, Issue no. 4
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