Students, administrators differ in their views of outgoing president

UA President, Manuel Pacheco Arizona Daily Wildcat

Pacheco has steered the University of Arizona through most of the 1990s, facing cuts in state funding while keeping research a priority and trying to make university bureaucracy more efficient. He also spearheaded efforts like the proposed Integrated Inst ructional Facility and the improvement of undergraduate education.

Pacheco announced last month that he would resign effective Dec. 31, the end of his contract.

Dan Adams, director of the UA Student Unions, said Pacheco was a supporter of his programs and needs.

"I know in terms of the Student Union he's been very supportive. When the Union had problems in the past, the administration under his leadership has always been willing to step forward and help out," he said.

Stephen Brigham, director of community affairs, said Pacheco supported neighborhood and local government relations.

"I am optimistic that a new president will be able to live up to everybody's expectations," Brigham said.

Maurice Sevigny, dean of the Fine Arts College, said Pacheco's term came at a time when UA faced many difficult issues.

"He has had to deal with the institution at a difficult time of retrenchment, budget cuts and more accountability from the legislature and the Board of Regents," Sevigny said.

He also said Pacheco has helped move the university toward a collaborative form of management.

Anita McDonald, dean of the division of extended university and summer session, said Pacheco has done a good job focusing on research and undergraduate education.

"I feel very positive about the contributions President Pacheco has made to the institution. He has expressed and supported the outreach effort that extended university is a part of," she said.

McDonald said Pacheco has a real concern for employees and their working environment.

However, six UA professors contacted at random by the Arizona Daily Wildcat refused to comment on Pacheco's term.

Students were generally uninformed about Pacheco's career, but most felt he was out of touch with students.

Scott Bushey, media arts junior, said he felt Pacheco was not serving students' needs and wants.

"I'm speaking on behalf of my folks," Bushey said. "I know they have to raise tuition, but it seems they do it often."

He also said Pacheco is not close enough to students.

"I know other schools where the presidents are more interactive with students," Bushey said.

Ryan Rumsey, a history senior, said "Pacheco didn't seem like he did much,"

Rumsey also said he felt Pacheco was hard for students to contact.

Jill Tacey, media arts sophomore echoed these sentiments,"He's very distant. It doesn't seem like he comes and talks to the kids."

Tacey said the new president's potential depends on who is in the position. She also said she would like to see a woman in the position.

"Hopefully, the new president will be able to learn from the mistakes Pacheco made," said Kerry Dinsmore, family studies senior.