The October video message from 鶹ýŮ President Rick Bailey comes directly from the climbing wall at the SOU Student Recreation Center, and he starts by pointing out the symbolism of the location. “We need to climb,” he says. “We need to chart a better future.” Part of that is a new enrollment plan designed to improve both recruitment and retention of students. Another part is the university’s new financial management plan, which will help build a stronger and more resilient SOU – a university more capable of withstanding future challenges. “Those are … footholds and handholds on this wall,” President Bailey says. He also offers a shout-out to all who had a part in the alumni events during SOU’s homecoming weekend, and for the recent recognition of a deserving student-athlete. And he talks about discourse, and the need for civility and respect. “It’s not about how much we agree on things,” he says. “We need to not just tolerate but celebrate our differences.”
