Tompkins Cites Michigan Tech's
Accomplishments in State of the University Address
HOUGHTON--Michigan Technological University is not isolated from the greater
conflicts America and the rest of the world have experienced during the
past year. But the University has enjoyed an atmosphere of tolerance and
understanding, MTU President Curt Tompkins said Sept. 18 in his State
of the University Address. "Ours is one of the most
cosmopolitan student bodies in the United States," he said, including
students from more than 70 nations. And Michigan Tech alumni live and
work in nearly 100 countries. "We should be thankful
that we work together in harmony and mutual respect on this campus, even
though virtually every religion, race, ethnicity and language are found
among our students, while our graduates play significant roles in creating
the future of our world," Tompkins said. "I'm grateful that
Michigan Tech is a place where harmony can be sustained while the larger
world is experiencing conflict." While thanking Governor John
Engler and state legislators for their efforts to support higher education
during a downturn in Michigan's economy, Tompkins was critical of a trend
that could hurt the quality of the state's public universities. "What I am referring
to is the politically popular hyperbole that, even though state appropriations
are diminished, tuition must not increase more than the Consumer Price
Index," he said. And he attacked the notion
that universities are "highly inefficient." Michigan Tech has
taken a number of cost-cutting measures, some of which were devised by
employees themselves. Tompkins cited an innovative plan instituted by
Facilities Management staff. By connecting the process cooling systems
of the Minerals and Materials Engineering Building and the Dow Environmental
Science and Engineering Building, the University is logging savings of
$150,000 a year. On the enrollment front, the
University has 5,035 undergraduate students on campus this fall, up 18
from last year, and 613 graduate students, an increase of 47. Additionally,
distance learning enrollment rose by 36 to 708, the equivalent of 232
full-time students. Total enrollment is 6,630 individuals and 5,580 full-time
equivalent students. On-campus, full-time equivalent enrollment is up
65. Tompkins noted that Air Force
and Army ROTC enrollments have risen dramatically in the past year. "This
certainly helps Michigan Tech with retention and recruiting," he
said. The number of graduate students
in the Department of Mathematical Sciences and the Department of Geological
and Mining Engineering and Sciences has increased dramatically, and 42
PhDs were awarded during the past academic year. And domestic applications
alone to Michigan Tech's graduate programs increased 60 percent. Retention rates have edged
up, with 77.6 percent of last year's freshmen returning this fall, compared
to 75.5 percent last year. "I would like to have a steady state rate
of at least 92 percent," Tompkins said. "Retention doesn't involve
lowering standards or expectations. It does mean that consistent, effective
academic and nonacademic advising is provided to each student. It does
mean that the quality of student life is important." "Retention is everyone's
job; every one of us has a role in making Michigan Tech a place that helps
each and every student find success." One aspect of improving student
life will be the 550-acre Michigan Tech Outdoor Recreation Area. In addition
to the Nordic ski trails, the area will have sand volleyball courts, a
Frisbee golf course, snowshoeing and skijoring trails, running and hiking
trails, paintball areas and improved biking trails. Tompkins called for a moment
of silence for two faculty emeriti who passed away recently, Robert Brown
and Paul Shandley, and for undergraduate Andrew Maas, who died in a fire
that destroyed the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity house. He said he would
recommend that sprinklers be installed in Michigan Tech's residence halls. Throughout his address, Tompkins
cited the accomplishments of the University community. Beyond the continuing tasks
involved in operating the University, from growing research to balancing
the budget, "Michigan Tech has a much higher destiny as one of the
world's top technological universities," Tompkins said. "Michigan
Tech will increasingly become a national university of choice for faculty,
students, staff, corporations and research sponsors." And, while we will learn from
the best practices of other schools, we will not become them. "Michigan
Tech will be Michigan Tech, not a copy of any other institution,"
Tompkins said. 9/18/02--MTN102
Other areas that have seen large increases in enrollment include social
sciences, which has gone up from 15 to 65 majors in the last decade, and
business, which has seen a 70 percent increase in five years.
"Our visibility and reputation will continue to grow," he predicted.
"The prestige of Michigan Tech will continue to increase as our faculty
and alumni are recognized for leadership and superior performance."
"Again, I appreciate the way we have worked together to deal with
the challenging economic conditions facing all of public higher education
and Michigan Tech in particular," he said. "I don't take your
loyalty, dedication and hard work for granted. Thank you very much."
