Provost candidate Raymond Alden discussed what he has to offer to the position Friday morning during a staff forum in Altgeld Hall.

Alden is one of three candidates for the executive vice president and provost position at NIU, and currently holds the same position at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Carol Scheidenhelm, Assistant Director of Faculty Development, opened the forum with an introduction of Alden’s educational background and then opened the floor for questions.

Donna Askins, Research Associate for the Executive Vice President and Provost, asked Alden what a sustainable university meant to him.

“In my opinion, a sustainable university puts thoughtful planning into the resources they need,” Alden said. “They have to have a focus on what they want to accomplish. There needs to be a relationship with the community.”

Alden said he wants to make sure all expectations of NIU and himself are met. He also discussed what he thought was the next step for NIU and the weaknesses NIU has.

“I see the need for strategic planning at a grass roots level,” Alden said. “I want to engage more people in conversations on department goals. That is how a university develops an identity.”

Toward the end of the forum, Alden answered the million dollar question: What drew him to NIU?

“Many of the values, goals and opportunities at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, I see at NIU,” Alden said. “I want a challenge in a university that has a ‘can do’ attitude. I am reassessing my life and I see this as an opportunity.”