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June 3, 2005
MARSHALL PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH: Kopp Has Experience Building Legislative
Relationships
by Tony Rutherford
Huntington News Network Writer
Huntington (HNN) — Having held the position of provost at Ohio University in
Athens, Ohio, Stephen J. Kopp, the fourth finalist for President of Marshall
University has an edge of sorts in that he's already familiar with what he
calls "God's country." The special assistant to the chancellor with the
Ohio Board of Regents indicated that he has found many "similarities"
between Southern Ohio and Huntington.
Kopp immediately expressed that budgetary matters will be the greatest
hurdle for Marshall University's goals of moving to the "next level" in both
academics and athletics. Complimenting the dedicated and talented staff,
faculty and administrators at Marshall, Kopp indicated all the ingredients
are in place for "greatness."
However, gaining additional resources remains pivotal, which includes
developing a good relationship with the legislature. Kopp, in his current
and previous positions, has testified before both the Ohio and Michigan
legislatures on higher education funding issues.
"It's about building a relationship [with them] and making a case for higher
education," he told HNN Thursday, June 2, 2005. Kopp indicated that most
higher education institutions are all now being asked to "do more with the
same or fewer resources. That challenge requires creativity and innovation,
[but] Marshall has a tremendous foundation to build on."
Kopp foresees the university maintaining and increasing its cultural and
intercollegiate athletics roles. On the latter, he agreed that a balance
must be struck between academics and sports. "The intercollegiate athletic
program provides tremendous visibility for Marshall. We need to express the
same values [found] in the Marshall creed not only through students on
campus but in athletic activities. "Our ICA [programs must adhere to] the
reality of what the creed really means."
The arts and cultural aspects of the university "provide dimension of life
that are irreplaceable," Kopp said, by adding depth, quality of life and
experiences which "enrich" the community. In fact, from his journeys in
higher education, as student, faculty member and administrator, performing
and fine arts resound as both "vital to the community" and "important to the
university."
Kopp concludes his campus visit Friday, June 3, 2005.
