High ranking members in both student government and campus organizations have shown a positive reaction to Dr. William Behre being selected as the new president of Slippery Rock University. Current SRSGA President Rachel Lawler was quick to recognize that the Board of Governors selected a qualified candidate who should bring about change in the future.
“I am confident that Slippery Rock is in good hands for the foreseeable future. Dr. Behre seems like a good fit for SRU because of his experience and student oriented focus,” Lawler said.
Lawler, a senior exercise science major, hopes to see a strong emphasis placed on providing students with the best experience possible. Expanding the presidential cabinet to allow administrators to focus on areas they excel is in an important first step that Lawler hopes to see after she graduates.
“Administrators who are good at serving the academic side of things should be primarily focused on that area instead of juggling it student engagement. An expanded cabinet would hopefully lead to a better environment for students and improve efficiency from the past administration,” Lawler said.
Lawler did express some concerns about Behre sticking to the level on engagement that he has promised to have with students. She has also acknowledged however that she is excited to see what Behre and his new administration has to bring to the table during his time at Slippery Rock.
Current SGA Vice President of Campus Outreach Dallas Kline shares many of the same hopes and expectations from SRU’s newly appointed president. Kline, a junior safety management major, considers striving towards a more inclusive campus environment a top priority.
“There are so many diverse students at Slippery Rock with different backgrounds. Being inclusive is about so much more than race or even sexual orientation,” Kline said. “You have to be able to relate to and establish a healthy relationship with every student on campus.”
Kline was impressed with the search process this spring and the qualified crop of candidates that were selected by the search committee. When it comes to Behre specifically, she feels that a relatable and transparent person like him is what SRU needs to distance themselves from past administrations.
“He seemed really relatable during his open forum with students and staff. I appreciated his transparency and his personable demeanor. I definitely think he’ll do great things during his time here,” Kline said.
In addition to being inclusive of all students on campus, Kline hopes to see a genuine leader who puts students first. Kline views Behre as someone who she believes will stay true to his word when it comes to student engagement and that he be present at events pertaining to student government.
University Program Board President Mallory Millberger was also pleased with the search process this spring and that Behre was the candidate who won out in the end. Millberger, a senior public relations major, hopes to have Behre as an active member in events put on by UPB and other campus clubs and organizations.
“Dr. Behre was chosen for a reason and I’ve heard a lot positive feedback from students, so I would say I’m happy about the candidate that was chosen,” Millberger said. “I would love to see Dr. Behre at UPB events and getting to know our various student leaders. We host a lot of events for the student body that it would be nice to have our president attend some of them in the future.”
Behre was selected on March 14 by the Pennsylvania Board of Governors to serve as the next president of Slippery Rock University. He will officially begin his term as president staring on July 1 of this year.
