As a graduating senior at the University of Idaho, I’ve begun reflecting on my Vandal experience.
Fueled by the growing feud between the university and associate professor Denise Bennett, I’m frustrated with the way my school has represented itself. I’m concerned for the reputation of my education. I’m disappointed with the lack of administrative support for students and employees who speak up. I did not enroll at the University of Idaho to be held back and silenced.
Point-blank: I’m afraid for future Vandals.
Ryan Benson | Courtesy
Last year, the university spent over $100,000 to “refresh” UI’s brand, according to a Moscow-Pullman Daily News report. One may recognize the new logo or brighter gold color, but we also have newly redeveloped statements of culture: we are leaders, not dismissive. Open, not aimless. Agile, not disconnected. Do these values exist only in print, not practice?
The UI administration, led by Chuck Staben, has barred Bennett from campus for a year.
He effectively placed this on the honey-do list of the next president.
The university pulled the trigger on an alarming Vandal Alert hours after a depthless threat assessment meeting based on a months-old police report and speculation of mental health concerns. Why is there no internal push for Staben to clean up? Is this accountability?
The University of Idaho was founded before the state itself, launching a movement of ground-breaking leadership. Where has that gone?
This university has had 18 full-time presidents since being established in 1889. Five have served since 1995. As we prepare to welcome yet another president, I’m asking decision makers to commit to appointing a leader: someone accountable, who isn’t afraid to learn from mistakes.
I can only hope that our administration truly invests in the Vandal Family — with more than just words.
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