With the New Year only days away, the Board of Regents have said good-bye to the 80’s by electing the chair and vice-chair of the board.

Former vice-chair Brewster Parker was elected to chair the Regents, who govern NIU, Illinois State University at Normal and Sangamon State University at Springfield. Clara Fitzpatrick was elected as vice-chair. Each is a two-year term.

The Thursday elections in Springfield were rung in with the hopes and optimism for the changes to restore relationships with the board and the universities. However, a receptive, yet cautious, attitude is needed.

This semester alone, the board passed sweeping policy changes above the universities’ screams consoling them with reassurements that they are simply clarifications.

Former chair Carol Burns withdrew from the election, citing personal and professional reasons. This action alone is enough for everyone to be optimistic, but the changing of the guard must be accompanied by a similar change of attitude. New people with the same old attitude is not a change, its a makeover.

Parker and Fitzpatrick, as well as the entire board, must seize the opportunity before them and take initiative in their relationship with the universities. They must go beyond formulating a simple working relationship. They must restore the trust and respect of everyone involved.