Newly-appointed University of Memphis President Shirley Raines spoke of the important role of The U of M in preparing students for the new global economy Thursday morning at a press conference held in the Fogleman Executive Center.
"We have to work to close gaps: achievement gaps, earning gaps, and community gaps," Raines said. "We have to reach beyond the boundaries of our campus. We have to connect to a global community, but we also have to connect to our neighbors next door."
She spoke of encouraging dialogue and openness, expecting accountability and integrity and promoting passion for the The U of M in the community.
"I'd like every employee, from the groundskeeper to the research scientist, from the beginning professor to the distinguished teaching award winner, from the cafeteria worker to the clinical receptionist, to say with pride 'I work at The University of Memphis," Raines said.
One of the main challenges Raines said she is faced with is that of resources.
Faculty Senate President Bill Gutzke said that one of the faculty's main concerns is salary issues -- especially the difference in pay between U of M faculty and faculty at other institutions. There is a $10,000 difference between U of M faculty salaries and those of its peer institutions, Gutzke said.
In order to get more money from the legislature, Raines said it will take many individuals working together to elicit a change.
"In this knowledge driven economy, it is what we know that will make a difference in our livelihood," Raines said. "And we have to have that message coming from the president of the university, but also have to have it coming from those leaders in industry and have it
coming from opinion makers."
Barbara Smith, director of The Center for Research on Women, is pleased with the selection of the first female president of The U of M
"It adds to the credit of the various groups that were involved in evaluating these three final candidates that Raines emerged as the top choice of very diverse groups of people," Smith said. "And apparently the fact that she is a woman didn't inhibit people from favoring her."
Said interim president Ralph Faudree: "Having diversity, be it gender or racial diversity, is good for The University," Faudree said. "I will do everything I can to help her succeed."
Gutzke said Raines came to the U of M during the selection process prepared and wanting to be here.
"She walked the extra mile," Gutzke said.
Mary Morgan, director of communication for the Tennessee Board of Regents, said Raines was selected because of her qualifications and the enthusiasm around The U of M campus about her.
Raines' contract will pay her roughly $190,000 a year. Morgan said she expects the contract to be completed and Raines to sign it sometime next week.
Meanwhile, there will be a meet-and-greet session with Raines for students in the University Center's third floor atrium today from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
