Nineteen years ago, Eric F. Spina joined the Syracuse University faculty immediately after receiving his doctorate from Princeton University and has been a part of SU ever since. On Wednesday, he delivered his first annual address to the faculty as vice chancellor and provost, the position to which he was appointed in January.

At the start of the address, he was ‘humbled and excited,’ but ‘a bit nervous,’ he said in an interview after. He delivered a 45-minute speech to at least 50 deans and professors in attendance at Hendricks Chapel.

Spina discussed a variety of topics, ranging from the alumni approval of the university to how faculty can better assist students.

At one point, Spina got the attention of the audience when he pointed out the ‘increasing quality of students at SU,’ emphasizing that the ethnic diversity was one of the reasons why the quality has risen.

As the speech progressed, Spina dove into the subject of improving the faculty even more through ‘Scholarship in Action,’ Chancellor Nancy Cantor’s campaign for improving the university through interaction and collaboration among the SU community and throughout the world.

He was also pointed out that in the last two years, five faculty members received the National Science Foundation Career Award.

Keeping with the theme of improvement, Spina also pointed out that the university has ‘not done well in the retention of faculty.’ He said there has been little to no progress in this area, suggesting better steps be taken to maintain those members.

‘I think the key is that the faculty needs to work together to keep our eyes on the prize, which are the students and the impact that we have on them,’ Spina said.

When the speech concluded, the assembled administrators and faculty members in the chapel gave an extended applause. For his first address in his current position, Spina said he thought the debut went well.

‘I felt comfortable, I was talking about things that I believe in, and things that I think really are the ways to move the university forward,’ Spina said. ‘The faculty got a chance to hear how I’m approaching this job and how I view the university. I think that’s the most important thing.’

Before the address, Cantor honored 13 distinguished professors, who were later recognized for their significance by Spina.

‘They are what we’re about,’ Spina said. ‘The differences we make in students’ lives are epitomized by those faculty members. The commitment that they’ve made to this institution and to the students is something that really is profoundly humbling for me and for others.’

After the event, faculty members conversed with and congratulated Spina.

‘I told him I was really proud of him,’ said Diane Murphy, dean of the College of Human Services and Health Professions. ‘I think he really catches the spirit of where (SU) is and forecasts us very well. I’m very excited about it. He’s a wonderful leader.’

Cantor echoed the praise for the ideas presented in his speech.

‘I think it went wonderfully,’ Cantor said. ‘I think everybody heard both his thoughtfulness and reasoning, and the strength of his voice.’

The dialogue has significance to students as well, Cantor said.

‘I think it’s very important for the SU students, because they can see how we’re trying to make investments in their future by investing in the kinds of ‘Scholarship in Action,’ the kinds of faculty that will really prepare them,’ Cantor said.

Published on October 25, 2007 at 12:00 pm