Dylon Harrison
Staff Writer
Since arriving at ISU, President Satterlee has had multiple presidential initiatives.
One of these has been to create a culture of communication and openness between his administration, the school’s faculty and the student body.
Every month, the president hosts “Coffee with Kevin,” which serves as a chance for ISU students to meet him face-to-face in order to discuss any comments or issues they may have with the school.
Free coffee and hot chocolate are provided for students at every “Coffee with Kevin.” No RSVP is required to attend.
“It’s something that I think has always been a good part of my leadership philosophy,” President Satterlee said. “It’s important that we understand and take input from the students. That’s why we’re here.”
The majority of these are held on the Pocatello campus, but there was one held in Meridian on Oct. 2, and one will be held in Idaho Falls on Dec. 6.
Another attempt to give students a voice in the dealings of the school has been the “One Thing Campaign.” This is an online campaign that invites students to email the president’s office with a suggestion of one thing they think can make ISU better.
Suggestions for the “One Thing Campaign” can be sent to the president’s office via email at ude.usinull@tnediserp.
“At times, when I have talked to the staff of the university, I have talked about the concept of empathy for our students,” President Satterlee said. “That basic concept of empathy, you try to understand what that is from the student perspective.”
President Satterlee said he cannot take the credit for the “One Thing Campaign” idea. He got the idea from Harlan Sands, president of Cleveland State University.
This is part of President Satterlee’s philosophy of adopting the “best practices” observed at other universities to better ISU. He relies on “a lot of experiences” and visits to multiple university campuses across the country.
While there are a variety of suggestions, Satterlee said he feels they all add up to the overall experience.
“It seems that one thing students are very interested in is improving the student experience,” President Satterlee said. “What is it that makes it so the students are having the positive collegiate, university experience that they want to have as part of their higher education?”
In addition to these, President Satterlee also meets with Logan Schmidt, ISU’s student body president, at least once a month to discuss student needs.
Students have been reacting well to Satterlee’s openness.
“I think it’s great,” said ISU sophomore, Brianna Lords. “It’s great that he’s here on campus and talking to us.”
Satterlee also said all emails addressed to ude.usinull@ivekttas go directly to him, and that he has “no problem” with students reaching out to him directly.
“If you don’t want to understand what they are, and try to see it from a student perspective, it’s hard to offer the things that our students need,” Satterlee said. “So, in trying to take that input, one of the ways to do it is to try to get together and make sure I hear back from the students somewhat regularly.”
The “One Thing Campaign” is posted online and always open. The next “Coffee with Kevin” will be held in the PSUB on Nov. 8 at 9 a.m.
