Chicago State University Hires New Interim President

Acknowledging Chicago State University’s financial struggles, new Interim President Rachel W. Lindsey said CSU’s staff, administration and students have to do a better job in communicating and promoting a better public image. Photo by Christopher Shuttlesworth
Acknowledging Chicago State University’s financial struggles, new Interim President Rachel W. Lindsey said CSU’s staff, administration and students have to do a better job in communicating and promoting a better public image. Photo by Christopher Shuttlesworth

Chicago State University Hires New Interim President

By Christopher Shuttlesworth

Rachel W. Lindsey was announced as Chicago State University’s (CSU) new Interim President on May 9, 2017 at Chicago State University, located on 9501 S. King Drive. Lindsey,

who is under a 10-month contract, discussed her vision and goals for the future of the university, addressed the rumors of

CSU possibly merging with another university and also

introduced Paul Vallas as the newly appointed Chief Administrative Officer.

“I left retirement to take the responsibility of preparing CSU for the permanent President,” Lindsey said. “I should point out that I never had a day of regret about retiring but it is my deep and abiding passion for CSU’s potential, students, faculty

and staff that caused me to come out of retirement.”

Lindsey said everyone knows that Chicago State University has had challenges with enrollment, and right now Vallas and

her are both working to put systems in place to improve

the enrollment. She also acknowledged CSU’s financial troubles, stating that the school is focused on reviewing its financial processes and making any changes that may be necessary.

“First we have to make sure people understand that

we are not closed,” Lindsey said. “I had someone say to me recently ‘oh, I thought the university was closed.’ So, the first thing we have to do is make sure to let the people know that we are not closed. We need to do a better job of communicating to people about the kinds of successes in terms of opportunities that Chicago State can provide.”

She continued to say that CSU needs to work on its public image and do a better job of making sure that people understand the breath of the programs that are offered to the students.

Lindsey also addressed the rumors of Chicago State University possibly merging with another university and said that the Chancellor of the University of Illinois in Chicago told her that

the school has absolutely no intention of taking over Chicago State University, adding people have to believe in CSU.

“We have to believe, the community has to believe,”

Lindsey said. “There are so many examples of how individuals ended up doing things that no one thought they would be able

to do. It’s simply because they believed and we need

to demonstrate our self confidence.”

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