Issue date: 10/18/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Steve Berry The audience listens as Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift presents his annual Report to the University Wednesday in the Morris University Center's Meridian Ballroom.

Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift's Report to the University Wednesday in the Morris University Center's Meridian Ballroom focused on how SIUE got to where it is today and where it is going.

Provost Paul Ferguson began the report by commenting on the challenge that universities have in building "bridges" for communication and action.

Ferguson said Vandegrift has an obvious passion and commitment to the growth of our university to achieve our vision and continue to build bridges.

In Vandegrift's first report in 2004, he said he planned to focus on three primary areas: managing enrollment, attracting and retaining students, and academically preparing students, all of which position SIUE to promote and sustain recognition and develop its resource base.

"We add value to people's lives," Vandegrift said. "We give them access to a college degree and the improved quality of life that comes with it."

Vandegrift said the average ACT score of incoming SIUE freshmen this year was 22.5, up from a 21.9 in 2003. It is two points higher than the Illinois average score and one point higher than the national average score. Vandegrift said SIUE has a freshman class representative of a premier institution.

Because of this, along with the residential growth that SIUE has seen and new admissions policies, SIUE has become a first tier, first choice university.

Vandegrift asked the crowd to think on SIUE's values of citizenship and integrity.

"Throughout the past 50 years we have been faced with and overcome many challenges," Vandegrift said. "And we are strongly committed to academic integrity.

"We must have a clearly articulated and agreed upon plagiarism policy that holds students, faculty and administrators responsible. Administrators, faculty and students all must be held accountable. Let us all apply the university value of wisdom in pursuit of this truth."

Vandegrift said the university will fully support those who enforce SIUE's policies.

Updating the physical aspects of the university, such as classrooms and lecture halls is also in Vandegrift's plans. He said he has no doubt that the $70 million Science building will be approved this fall.

Katie Bennett graduated from SIUE in 2003 and became associate director of Alumni Affairs two months ago.

"It's interesting that he took this time to recap the last 50 years," she said. "While it's exciting to celebrate the 50th, it's also important to see where the university is going and the steps the chancellor wants to take to get there."

Vandegrift called this year "a pivotal time in our history."

"Yes, SIUE has momentum, but there is more to be done," Vandegrift said. "We must act now for the next 50 years."

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