We want to thank Dr. Kwang-Wu Kim for his service to our college and wish him well as he embarks on a new chapter, as the Chronicle reported. 

Going forward, we want to offer our “wish list” for the next president.

Ideally, they should be a Columbia alum. Someone who in effect is “one of us,” who can relate to the unique experiences and special challenges we as Columbia students face. Having one of our own in the president’s office can help restore the disconnect many of us have felt with our campus leaders in recent years.

Second, it is critical that the next administration be open and transparent. For far too long, students have felt that key decisions impacting our studies and academic futures were made with little input from us.

Along these lines, the college must get a handle on the constantly rising tuition costs that are making it so much more difficult for us to complete school. There must be other avenues available to cut costs and expenses, and our leaders must utilize them.

The next administration should also do all it can to ensure that we as students will continue to have access to a quality education.

It is our fervent hope that the new president will successfully guide us through this current crisis by building on Columbia’s considerable strengths: its growing reputation for excellence; its far-reaching connections to powerhouse local and national firms that can provide career-enhancing internships and employment; its proven track record for nurturing a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity; a talented pool of full and part-time faculty members; and a student body made up of creatives who are eager to learn.

–Students in “Writing and Rhetoric II” taught by Dominic Calabrese, part-time instructor in the Communication Department

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