On June 16 an article appeared in the Chicago Tribune which quoted me as saying that the Regency Universities are “meat and potatoes schools (which) do a very good job at what they do.” Understandably, this characterization has elicited a considerable reaction on campus. An additional quote attributed to me suggested that we do not take our reputation very seriously. Though absurd on the face of it that too has prompted considerable comment. I have received a number of very thoughtful letters taking vigorous exception to the quotes in question.

The comment about “meat and potatoes schools” was made at the conclusion of a lengthy exchange in which I had noted that our universities have not been provided the funding or the programmatic authorization to engage in as broad a range of academic undertakings as typicaly exist on major research campuses. The general context of the interview was the push by the entire higher education community for a tax increase during the last two weeks of the legislative session. The “meat and potatoes” comment should be read in that context as well as the statement that we have done a very good job at what we have been able to do. I went on to note that the high quality but affordable education that we have been able to provide is in real risk as a consequence of our precarious financial condition. President LaTourette made th same point in the article saying “We have tried to be more accessible than the U of I but I see our accessibility being eroded rather quickly.”

As regards to the comment about reputation, it simply does not reflect my real views. The academic distinction which NIU has achieved during the past decade is not in dispute. At issue and the point I was attempting to make is that we simply have not achieved the level of funding support from the state commensurate with our qualitative standing and well-earned reputation. That we are institutions of choice is indisputable. The quality of our academic programs and the development of new initiatives have served the State of Illinois and our students very well indeed.

As for the futue, I would concur again with the views of President LaTourette that we should adhere to the real land grant tradition of a balanced commitment to instruction and research and a strong emphasis on service in the largest sense of the word. The dynamic regions we serve should have dynamic universities. We should strive to be outstanding in as many ways as possible and to develop a national reputation that is refelective of the outstanding quality of the programs we offer and the excellance of our faculty. In the more than 20 years that I have worked in this system, I have always been motivated by these goals and aspiration.

As we look forward to the beginning of the 88-89 academic year, please be assured that I will work closely with you in achieving the recognition which the university merits and the funding support that is deserved and consistent with the university’s excellence. We should continue to strive for a greater role and a reputation to match. On this point I don’t need convincing – nothing else makes sense!

Roderick T. Groves

Board of Regents

Chancellor