The first of three provost candidates spoke to faculty and staff Friday morning about her goals for the school.

“I am interested in NIU because I see it as an institution where people care about each other,” said Kathleen Long, Dean of the College of Nursing at the Health Science Center of the University of Florida. “I find that very appealing.”

Long spoke briefly about the future of NIU as part of her visit to campus.

“I think it is an institution that is at a crossroads,” Long said. “[NIU] is kind of looking at how to redefine itself. That would be an exciting time to come in as a provost.”

Long already has ideas for what she could bring to NIU.

“I believe I could bring some new perspectives and new ideas,” Long said. “Maybe even some new questions for us to look at as well as some energy and enthusiasm. I would like to work on some issues that are here. There are some real problems with financial constraints, limited number of faculty and a growing student population. If that is not managed carefully then things may not go very well. I have an interest in challenges and this would be a challenge.”

Norman Stahl, professor of literacy education, asked Long what she would expect from department chairs.

“I think what makes a good department chair is someone who not only manages, but also leads and inspires,” Long said. “I would certainly want to have periodic meetings with department chairs on academic issues because they would be a key voice.”

Judy Ledgerwood, associate professor and chair of anthropology, asked Long her view on international studies.

“I think it is important because it gives a better quality of academics,” Long said.

Long also gave her views on DeKalb and NIU and the combination of the two.

“[DeKalb] is very different from Florida,” Long said. “However, I went to Florida from Montana, so I am used to big changes. From what I have seen of NIU and the DeKalb community, it is a very nice place. The people have been very kind and generous. I feel very welcome here. I think it is a place where I could feel very much at home.”