Meet the New Board Chairman
An Interview with Dick Ross, chairman, Board of Trustees, National–Louis University, and Jeanne Hartig, vice president of marketing and communications, National–Louis University
Jeanne Hartig (JH): Dick, you are chairman of the Board of Trustees of National–Louis University. Can you tell us what a board chairman does?
Dick Ross (DR): My main job is to monitor the performance of the university and assist the president of the university, in order to reach the goals that have been set. I also try to develop a strong Board of Trustees, and then work with them and the university community to raise money and advance the interests of the institution.
JH: The NLU Board of Trustees has members from many different professional backgrounds, including banking, publishing, state government, consulting and community organizations. What are the challenges of chairing meetings with that many trustees, all of whom are passionate about the issues being discussed?
DR: The first challenge is to stay focused since we have a very limited amount of time. The second challenge is to contribute to the effort without becoming intrusive.
JH: What is the main quality of a good university trustee?
DR: Commitment to the institution.
JH: What was it about NLU that made you decide to become one of its trustees?
DR: I believe that education can be a transforming event—and I felt that I would be able to make a useful contribution that would benefit NLU.
JH: Prior to becoming the board chairman, you were vice–chair and a board member. So, you've been part of the NLU community for almost 10 years. Looking back, how has NLU changed?
DR: We are in a much better position than we were when I first came on the Board of Trustees. Considerable progress has been made because there is better coordination among the different constituencies, particularly students, faculty and staff. However, we need to complete the leadership team in order to have a more meaningful impact. I am excited about the progress we have made and look forward to making even greater progress in the future.
JH: Many of us in academia spend a lot of time worrying about everything from enrollment and the cost of tuition to how to hire great faculty and design courses students need to be good world citizens. What does a board of trustees' chairman worry about?
DR: Enrollment, the cost of tuition, hiring great faculty and the design of courses students need to be good world citizens.
JH: Access to higher education is a major concern as tuition continues to rise and the economy remains unsettled. What is the obligation of universities to provide access to those who can do the work but can't afford the cost of tuition and fees?
DR: This is a need that must be addressed. Personally, I do not feel that it can be successfully addressed without a joint commitment from both the public and private sectors. I am not sure that we can come up with an ideal solution, but we will certainly try.
JH: If you only had time to tell a stranger two things about what makes NLU great, what would you say?
DR: I'd talk about its history and the passion of its faculty and students.
JH: You are a well–known Ohio State football fan. Any predictions about the upcoming season?
DR: No predictions, but Go Bucks!
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