RICHMOND — President Doug Whitlock kicked off the 2010-2011 academic year at Eastern Kentucky University on Monday with an opening convocation speech.

In the two-hour speech, Whitlock highlighted his goals for the academic community at EKU for the coming year and addressed key issues. He also highlighted the achievements of staff and former students, and the university as a whole.

Whitlock often deviated from his notes, his comments engendering laughter from the audience of faculty and staff.

“Can you feel the energy in the room — it’s palpable? What I sense in this room today tells me you are ready,” he said.

He opened his comments by thanking those in attendance, and said that EKU was one of the United States’ leading comprehensive universities.

“I am proud of nothing more than what you have achieved in the last two years. I believe in you are your ability to get the job done or I wouldn’t be here,” Whitlock said.

Whitlock titled his speech, “I Believe in You,” and said he had confidence and admiration for the faculty and staff.

He told the audience that the university had been through financial cuts from the state, and would continue to endure future cuts. He also said cuts made in Kentucky were not as deep as those made in other states.

“The reality is that when things get better, our immediate realistic hope for at least one, most likely two biennia (a period of two years), is that our state appropriation will remain level instead of being cut. The most immediate concern we must address is being ready for 2011-2012. We must again plan for the worst and hope for the best,” Whitlock said.

Over the past few years, EKU’s funding from the state has been cut 10 percent. This includes a one percent cut scheduled for the current academic year. Other states have made cuts as deep as 20 percent. For Kentucky to reach that level, Whitlock said Kentucky would have to make funding “super-draconian,” cuts.

He also said that EKU had to find a way to compete with for-profit schools, and could do so by focusing more on on-line options.

Whitlock introduced a mission statement under development at the university, which will emphasize regional stewardship, student success and critical and creative thinking and effective communications.

“This expounds our mission in a way that sets us apart. I believe it is the only one I have ever read that did not make reference to the traditional triad of instruction, scholarship and service. In reality, those are not the mission of an institution; they are the means of fulfilling your mission. So, if you are concerned that instruction, scholarship and service are not mentioned and fear that any one of the three is being discounted, set those fears aside. Each is important to the fulfillment of our mission,” he said.

To fulfill the proposed mission statement, EKU must improve in student success, Whitlock said. Several programs, including degree works and early alert, a program meant to help identify students who do not attend class and struggle academically were highlighted. He also introduced a program new this year, “Use It or Lose It” in which students who do not attend the first day of class, without first giving prior notice, are withdrawn from classes.

“We will also continue our review of administrative policies and processes to ensure we are closing gaps and service faculty, staff and students in ways that foster success. We need to maintain our tradition of excellent customer service on this campus and help those we serve get the attention and information they need as efficiently and effectively as possible.

“For a number of years, the mantra on campus was, ‘Where students come first.’ I would reframe that to, ‘Where the best interest of students come first.’ That means that every student deserves the highest level of teaching, learning and support services possible,” Whitlock said.

He also said EKU must continue to be “engaged” with elementary and secondary school across eastern Kentucky and to define “the Eastern experience.”

“I’ll probably get a lot of objections on this one,” Whitlock quipped, before announcing that EKU would try to increase faculty and staff compensation. After this line, the audience broke out into applause and whistles.

EKU must also “reallocate” the money it has by being more efficient in academic programs and support services, review existing programs and services, “to determine which are no longer needed or mission critical,” he said.

Whitlock said he didn’t anticipate any layoffs, but said that changes may, “result in the reassignment of individuals from lower to higher priority actives.” He said that a reduction in force would likely take place through attrition.

He also announced a new change to EKU’s benefits policy.

“I have advised the Board of Regents that we will make available to our faculty and staff during the fall benefits open enrollment period a new policy on Sponsored Dependent Benefits. We will test drive this policy this year and make any necessary improvements and modifications based on our experience and user feedback. Lest anyone accuse me of using a euphemism to cloud the issue, this is what is called at many places Domestic Partner Benefits.”

“Also, let no one try to muddy the waters by claiming the university is paying for benefits for domestic partners. The university continues to provide benefits only to the faculty and staff. Coverage of additional persons is at the election and expense of the employee. To me this is a matter of fundamental fairness that requires we treat all members of our community equally,” he said.

The audiences erupted in applause at Whitlock’s announcement.

Whitlock concluded his speech by reaffirming his love for EKU.

“Today I repeat that I love Eastern. How could I not? But there is nothing in what I said three years ago or since that should lead anyone to believe that I do not want her to change. In fact, if we love her, we should expect that she should change, we should demand that she change,” he said. “That change need be in our mix of programs and services and how we deliver them. That change cannot be allowed to alter the Essential Eastern, that which makes her special and beloved.”

Emily Burton may be reached at eburton@richmondregister.com or at 624-6694. Follow Emily on Twitter at, RR_EBurton@twitter.com