Richardson’s years have been ‘a catalyst for successes’

Enrollment growth has been one of many triumphs during a six-year tenure

“My last six years in academe have been the very best of my entire academic career. They have been far better than even I envisioned when I arrived on campus in 1996.” “I know there are many reasons for the phenomenal success this campus has enjoyed over the past five years, but I believe the key reasons are shared understanding and shared commitment.” “I care deeply about all the people on this campus, and I have worked very hard for your interests. I hope you will continue to work hard for the interest and progress of IU Southeast.”

F.C. Richardson, chancellor IUS Final mid-year address to faculty and staff

During his installation ceremony in September 1996, Richardson pledged to lead the campus to the “next level of excellence.” He will end his six-year tenure having accomplished that very objective.

“Chancellor Richardson’s leadership has been the catalyst for the successes the campus has enjoyed in the past five years,” commented Gil Atnip, vice chancellor for academic affairs, who has been with IU Southeast since 1975.

Richardson immediately implemented steps to enhance campus communication by establishing an administrative council, made up of all of the vice chancellors, the associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, his executive assistant and the director of equity and diversity, and an executive council, consisting of those officers, faculty senate representatives, academic deans, staff councils and student government representation.

One key element Richardson built upon during his tenure was enrollment growth. During his first semester, enrollment stood at 5,381. Five years later, during fall 2001, enrollment had soared to 6,557 students—its highest level ever—a 20 percent increase overall.

Richardson advocated reciprocity, which established in-state tuition for residents in Southern Indiana and three Kentucky counties to attend the public universities in those areas. Reciprocity boosted the number of Kentucky students enrolled at IU Southeast from 235 in 1997 to 1,220 in 2001—a 41 percent increase.

Atnip noted that, in addition to enrollment, Richardson initiated increasing the number of full-time faculty 21 percent, from 137 in 1995 to 174 in 2001. Other achievements Atnip mentioned include:

• A Quality Services Initiative set about the task of promoting the importance of providing efficient and effective services to students and other campus constituents.

• Creation of institutional research and assessment capabilities.

• Overseeing completion of the Life Sciences Building expansion and renovation and planning for a new library.

• Leadership in the capital campaign.

“Even more important than these specific accomplishments is the impact of his leadership on the climate of the campus,” Atnip said.

“He has helped us formulate a vision to work towards. He has shown us the value of taking well-considered risks. Most of all, he has created an environment in which people were encouraged and enabled to do their best work.”