CSB identity at risk with joint president structure
This is the opinion of Hailee Thayer, CSB senior.
Last week, CSB/SJU announced the new joint president, Dr. Brian Bruess. This announcement sent shockwaves —both good and bad—throughout our community. On one hand, this is a historic decision and will forever change the culture of CSB/SJU. On the other hand, there are questions and concerns that come with this decision.
I am speaking as a St. Ben’s student when I say that I am concerned about the future of CSB’s identity. St. Ben’s hosts many women and Bennie-centered events that the president sometimes speaks at. It may be strange to bring the new male president into one of these events, as it may make some Bennies uncomfortable.
The College of St. Benedict emphasizes women’s empowerment. Part of that empowerment is seeing women in positions of power. I remember going to a leadership talk with former CSB president Mary Dana Hinton my first year. I left that talk feeling inspired, and seeing a woman in a position of power made me even more inspired.
Having that role model as a first-year was essential for me becoming who I am today. I believe that this is true for many Bennies as well. There are also the issues of the already present disparities in higher education. In 2019, 51% of presidents of colleges and universities were men, compared to 49% women. Although that may not seem like a big difference, it feels like one. That said, this disparity is not surprising, and it is not surprising that CSB/SJU has added to this statistic.
Dr. Bruess has had a lot of experience in the operations of colleges and universities, one of which was St. Catherine’s. This experience is necessary and will be helpful in his new position as president; however, it may not create the same connection with our campuses as separate presidents may have.
In my experience as a student here, the presidents have been very connected to campus and students. With one president, this may not occur. I am concerned that our new president will not have the same connection and may favor St. John’s students.
This could be for a variety of reasons, like the office of the president potentially being placed at St. John’s, allowing for easier access to that campus and St. John’s students, and it may be because of shared identities between Dr. Bruess and Johnnies.
In recent years, CSB/SJU has taken a new focus on DEI policies. I would argue that CSB/SJU failed to adopt these ideas on the highest level. CSB/SJU had an opportunity to propel our institution forward, but didn’t. If CSB/SJU doesn’t adapt and change with society, it will continue to lose students, and the future of our institution will be at stake.