BUFFALO, N.Y. — Dr. Chance Glenn is excited to lead Buffalo State University when he takes the helm next July.
Why Buffalo State University? Dr. Glenn said, "I'm attracted to opportunities that do something that matters."
It's an opportunity he saw at Buffalo State. He is well aware of the need to address student retention and enrollment at the university.
"Retention is probably one of the strongest influence and components of enrollment. We will be attacking that head on," he said.
He would like to try and transform the university into a place that is known for being a home for the students.
"I want that reflected throughout, up and down, that the students matter," Dr. Glenn said. "This is a place that is there for them, whatever challenges they may have, as they come and navigate their academic career path, we're there to help them along, and that messaging and that action behind the messaging are things that will help."
Dr. Glenn understands that in order to retain some students, it's about academics and finances.
The budget deficit will be a big issue to tackle. He is prepared to dig into the numbers and understand more.
"I have to get in there and see what's going on and understand the structure a lot better. I've been in communication and working with the interim-president. I'm going to look forward to working with her as we transition to address those specific areas. I mean they they have to be addressed. They have to be dealt with," Dr. Glenn said.
"I understand that, so I'm going to be coming in there, rolling my sleeves up, you know, proverbially and get to work on those issues. I can't say about cuts and things like that at this time. It's just too early to to talk about."
Dr. Glenn is a husband and father of four college-age students.
A community focus appears to be in the blueprint for the incoming president.
Watch commUNITY, episode 60: