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Wednesday, June 19, 2013
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CMU leaves track director Randolph in the dust Assistant Kaczor named interim director By Justin Hicks Senior Reporter
Assistant head coach Matt Kaczor will fill in as interim director of track and field and cross-country after Central Michigan University declined to renew Willie Randolph’s contract. CMU athletics director Dave Heeke announced Wednesday his
decision to part ways with Randolph after his four-year tenure. “It came to a point where we felt it was in the best interest of the program to move in a different direction,” Heeke said. “Primarily, we needed new leadership and vision.” A nationwide search for a new director is a high priority for Heeke with cross-country competition beginning in August. In the mean-
time Kaczor, who worked with distance runners, will be directing the program. Heeke said CMU will continue to have one director lead both the men’s Willie Randolph and women’s programs, much like other programs in the Mid-American Conference and NCAA.
“This is the most effective and efficient model for us to utilize and we will continue with a consistent structure of having a combined program,” he said. Heeke’s evaluation of Randolph’s leadership, management and direction over the past four years were all taken into consideration when deciding not to renew his contract. Randolph isn’t the only coach leaving the program this offseason. Assistant coach Bobby Wilson finished the spring season, but will not have his contract renewed. Heeke
said all other assistant coaches will remain on staff during the search for Randolph’s replacement. Kaczor was not available for comment Thursday.
RANDOLPH CATCHING HEAT
Randolph received public criticism in April when Central Michigan Life published that five members of the men’s track and field team quit, while other members remained unhappy with Randolph’s leadership. A RANDOLPH | 2
NEW PROVOST
Gealt predicts ‘great things ahead’ for university By Catey Traylor Fall Editor-in-Chief
Michael Gealt said great things are happening at Central Michigan University, and he will be the person to spread the word. School pride, departmental collaboration and communication are just a few traits valued by Gealt, and he plans to bring those characteristics to CMU beginning Aug. 1 when he replaces Provost Gary Shapiro. As provost, Gealt Michael Gealt will oversee academics at CMU, serving as the university’s second-highest ranking official in the administration, following President George Ross. “I’m really happy to be at CMU, and I can’t wait to get up there and start work,” Gealt said. “I’ve been so happy with how open and welcoming people have been, and I know this is the kind of environment I’d like to spend my academic career in.” Gealt, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics and professor of biology at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock since 2006, was chosen from a pool of more than 20 applicants to serve as Shapiro’s replacement upon his retirement in July. He will earn an annual salary of $264,000. Before his time at ULAR, Gealt taught and held top positions at Purdue University Calumet and Drexel University, totaling more than 40 years of experience in higher education. He said all of his time spent in academia has taught him communication is key in the workplace. “You need to talk to everyone,” he said. “Having worked at multiple institutions, I’ve worked with people across the spectrum in order to help those places move forward. What I hope to show when I get (to CMU) is that I’m accessible and out there talking to people and getting people together.” A PROVOST | 2
SHANNON MILLARD/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Professor of Tuba and Euphonium Mark Cox conducts a group of high school students during the 21st annual Summer Music Camp on Monday in the Music Building. The camp hosts 73 students from 42 different high schools in Michigan and Illinois.
Fine tuning SHANNON MILLARD/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Haslett High School sophomore Peter Ecklund plays the bassoon with a small group during the 21st annual Summer Music Camp Monday in the Music Building.
21st annual Summer Music Institute takes over CMU CM Life Staff Reports High school students from throughout the Midwest have taken over the Music Building for this week’s 21st annual Summer Music Institute. Seventy-three students from 42 Michigan high schools in Michigan and Illinois are participating in the program to perfect their music skills in a
SHANNON MILLARD/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A camper makes a double reed for her oboe during the 21st annual Summer Music Camp Monday in the Music Building.
college setting. Read more online at cm-life.com.
Former university president Ellis ‘treasured’ his time at Central By Neil Rosan Staff Reporter
PHOTO COURTESY OF PEGGY BRISBANE/CMU UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
Arthur Ellis from 1986 during his second year as president at Central Michigan University.
Former Central Michigan University President Arthur “Art” Ellis, 80, an instrumental force in creating the CMU Research Corp.’s Mount Pleasant SmartZone, died Thursday after a battle with lung cancer. A memorial service was held on Tuesday for CMU’s ninth president, who died at Woodland Hospice, 2597 S. Meridian Road. “Working at Central Michigan University was one of the most important things he did in his life,” Art’s son Mark Ellis said. “He absolutely treasured his time there, and we believe
he left the university better than he found it.” Ellis was born on Sept.14, 1932, to Archibald and Antoinette Ellis in Grand Rapids. He graduated from Jackson Junior College with an associate’s degree, from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree and from Eastern Michigan University with a master’s degree. Ellis, a Korean War Army veteran, worked as a budget analyst from 1957 through 1968, before beginning his career in higher education by becoming secretary of the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents in 1968.
In 1970, Ellis became Vice President of Public Affairs at CMU, serving as the university’s interim president in 1975 and again in 1985. He became president full-time in 1986. As president, Ellis played a key role in creating the CMU Research Corp.’s Mount Pleasant SmartZone. The SmartZone was developed to attract and retain technological research companies in mid-Michigan. Ellis retired from CMU in 1988, but was called back to public service in 1991 when Gov. John Engler appointed him as the director of the Michigan Department of Commerce. A ELLIS | 2