LONG

OPINION COLUMN Letter to President Clark: We are ready for the next step

Brad Jackman JAC01016@BYUI.EDU The New Johnny Lingo

President Clark, welcome to BYU-Idaho.

We’ve been anxiously awaiting your arrival. Elder Bednar and President Wilkes left a legacy of innovation that will always define this campus. We are now watching carefully for the excitement and change you will bring.

We’ve gone through many changes in the past five years. Enrollment has increased more than 20 percent since 2000. We’ve seen a constant stream of renovation and construction, bringing more modern facilities and opportunities to campus. We’re proud of our school, and welcome the added students and faculty to our family.

The dynamics of our school are constantly changing. We have more students than ever before who are married, returned missionaries or from other nations. These and other factors contribute to a new and emerging culture at BYU-I, one of higher expectations and a greater desire for academic, spiritual and social responsibility.

The changes made so far have been inspired, and needed, but we can go further. No longer a two-year institution, we await additional changes that will help us become an institution of higher education recognized for excellence in many fields. We need your help to become the legendary graduates of BYU-I prophesied of by Elder Eyring.

You bring from Harvard impressive credentials and skills. We bring firsthand experiences, concerns and suggestions from a vibrant student body. Working together we can make this place shine.

Many of us have been anticipating changes that will build on our tradition of innovative education. Greater educational diversity can better prepare us for the real world. The addition of female faculty and administrators can give us new perspectives and insights. The enrollment of more international students would bring new experiences and cultures to our remote campus.

Many students have also expressed a desire to see change in the breadth of courses offered and the improvement of our track system. Academic societies currently play a minor role on campus and could easily be promoted and expanded to allow a more scholarly education. And while many students also express concerns about Honor Code restrictions, we’ll leave that one up to you and the Lord.

We also anticipate further expansion of campus and grounds to the south, so that we can show our best face to those who come to visit the temple.

President Clark, welcome to our university. Welcome to the Lord’s university. We’re ready for what you have to offer and are willing to follow your lead. Put us to work, and together let’s make BYU-I legendary.