Inside Gallaudet
Weiner officially becomes provost
 Photo: John Consoli |
| Steven Weiner |
July 1 marked the first official day of Dr. Stephen Weiner’s duties as Gallaudet’s provost. President Robert Davila’s May 7 announcement of Weiner as the University’s chief academic officer has been widely praised on and off campus.
“Gallaudet is a national and international resource,” said Weiner. “I feel humbled and honored to be named provost of such a wonderful national treasure.” Although almost two months have elapsed since President Davila informed the campus of his selection for provost, Weiner has made a running start on the job. During that time, he has worked diligently, getting up to speed on issues of critical importance to Gallaudet, and his leadership has been embraced by the campus.
The many issues Weiner has tackled since being named provost include meeting with the President’s work groups, the Capital Athletic Conference, various people across campus, and others; planning for changes in his management team; reviewing the budget; looking at long range plans; appearing on Bob’s Vlog; and working with former Interim Provost Michael Moore to ensure a smooth transition.
Weiner brings a wealth of experience as a student (Class of ’77) and as an employee, working at the Clerc Center, as a member of the University staff, as a faculty member in the Department of Communication Studies, and as dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies. “My unique working and educational experience (which includes growing up at both oral and signing schools) will help me in this job.”
As provost, Weiner has three major objectives: “I want community building. I want to make sure Gallaudet is fully accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education. And I want to promote academic rigor,” he said. He added that there are many things he plans to do to help make this happen: “I want Gallaudet to be a place where we can have a dialogue whether we agree or disagree. I want Gallaudet to be on the cutting edge of technology. I want Gallaudet to become a part of the community around us. I see us one day not needing a fence around the campus.”
Weiner will lead these efforts by becoming a student-centered provost, starting with his plans to increase accessibility to the Provost’s Office by moving it from the fourth floor to the first floor of HMB. In addition, he plans to be available to students and faculty by setting up opportunities during certain days and hours for people to meet with him.
Gallaudet’s more than 15,000 alumni share a deep commitment to their alma mater, and Provost Weiner, as a fellow alumnus, shares their views. He also realizes that almost everyone has a viewpoint about the issues Gallaudet is currently facing, and it is important that their opinions are noted. “There are so many wonderful people at Gallaudet. Everyone has great ideas. Some ideas may be great for one individual but not for the University. I want to make sure every individual’s ideas remain important.”
Everyone became who they are in life thanks to important people who helped guide them along the way. “I had several great professors who taught me about life, challenging yourself, intellectual pursuits, and lifelong learning,” said Weiner. “I had many wonderful professors and I see the same traits with the professors we have here at Gallaudet today.”
Ask students and alumni what they like best about Gallaudet and most say they enjoy the accessibility of the campus and the opportunity to participate in a wealth of activities to supplement their academic endeavors, such as athletics, the Student Body Government, and clubs and organizations. Provost Weiner highly values the importance of these activities and encourages every Gallaudet student to participate. “One of Gallaudet’s many strengths is co-curricular activities where students implement what they learn outside of the classroom. It is vital to the learning experience at Gallaudet and to teaching.”
One of the perks of his job is working closely with Davila, who has won over the campus with his leadership and hard work. “I’m excited about working with President Davila because he brings a wealth of experience. I look forward to his guidance, wisdom, and leadership,” said Weiner.
The consummate team player, Provost Weiner asks everyone to work together for Gallaudet. “We need the community to support the Gallaudet where we go as an institution for the 21st century,” he said. “We need people who are committed to a place where everything is open, and we are committed to open dialogue--a place where people can discuss different ideas that raise academic standards so Gallaudet can be an institution with integrity. The community needs people who can make a difference at Gallaudet.”
Posted: 29 Jun 2007
