Interim President Don Burnett stepped on stage at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival last Saturday to remind the audience of the University of Idaho’s mission.
“We are the national, land-grant, founding, comprehensive, constitutional and therefore flagship university,” Burnett said.
But as Burnett steps down as interim president this weekend, he will be remembered for much more than his continuous love for the flagship title.
Throughout Burnett’s short tenure, he led UI through a difficult transition period and embodied many of the characteristics future presidents and administrators should have.
Burnett was focused on hearing the voices of those usually looked over — students and staff. He held student meet-and-greet events throughout his tenure and made efforts to hear and represent the student voice.
It was Burnett who led the recalibration process in the classification and compensation debacle, which allowed more time for deans and other UI administrators to properly classify their employees — a process that was mostly well-received by staff.
This recalibration process allowed UI administrators to receive input from a variety of people affected and allowed for open communication.
Burnett also served on the drugs and alcohol and Greek life task forces, which addressed two key social issues on campus, and once again took input from a number of stakeholders.
He supported issues key to students, including the expansion of the student code of conduct to include off-campus activities.
Burnett not only handled the duties of the office with grace and ease, but led UI in a tentative transitional period that would have derailed many other administrators.
As UI struggled with a self-identity problem on multiple administrative levels, Burnett gave a sense of direction.
Burnett has said he often feels he owes a debt to UI for giving his parents a world-class education and providing them a “window to the world.”
Well Mr. President, your debt has been paid, and we thank you.
–RT