The finalist in the search for Antioch College's president is in Yellow Springs meeting with college leaders and staff. He also spoke at a public forum last night.
The candidate for Antioch College's new President, Mark Roosevelt, is a long-time education advocate. Until recently, he was the superintendent of the Pittsburgh Public Schools and also has had a political career, (he served as a Massachusetts state representative). Roosevelt is in Yellow Springs meeting with college leaders and staff. At a public forum Thursday night he says if selected, he would move forward cautiously.
"I think what's important is that we be hugely aspirational but also incredibly realistic. Not everything is possible. Something, I think, really wonderful is possible. But a large part of our work will be defining the new Antioch," says Roosevelt.
Quoting Samuel Adams and drawing on the history of the school, Roosevelt says that Antioch college should be an example of excellence in higher education in the future.
"We know that this is not an exercise in nostalgia. This is an exercise in looking forward and building an innovative school that will nurture students and the possibilities of American life and give them the tools they need to do the work that Antioch graduates have been doing for a very long time," says Roosevelt.
Roosevelt is currently the only candidate for the position. Another finalist was invited to campus, but withdrew last minute for personal reasons. The college is asking for feedback from the community on Roosevelt through an online survey. The board will meet this weekend, and is expected to vote on its decision.