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Show page 12 , Fall/Winter 2002 PROFILES BY SOMYR MCLEAN PHOTOS BY KRISTOPHER MOORE AND DEB JENSEN Unprecedented Leadership: The Dean of the College of Humanities Takes His Vision to a New Level Robert Newman There are many opportunities to seek out leadership on campus. But perhaps the best place to find excellent leadership is at the head of the largest college on campus, the College of Humanities. With the greatest number of faculty and students, the college demands skill, organization and flexibility from its leaders. "Good leaders can take the pulse of the population they are serving," said Robert Newman, dean of the College of Humanities. "They are thoughtful, creative and entrepreneurial in making difficult decisions." Newman has had his share of difficult decisions since his time at the University of Utah, especially in light of budget cuts that have put a strain on many colleges. "A leader has it good when he or she can say 'yes' to everything people want," Newman said. Unfortunately, he says, he has spent more time deciding which programs stay and which programs go. Originally from Philadelphia, Newman earned his undergraduate degree in English from Pennsylvania State University and his graduate degree in literature and aesthetics from Goddard College. He came to the U from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he earned his doctorate in English. Despite several invitations to apply for dean at various colleges, Newman said that his choice to come to the U was based, in part, on the ethical leadership and thoughtful collaboration between the administration and colleges on campus. "I had the chance to build a first-rate humanities college at the U," Newman said. All the college needed, he said, was leadership and a vision to take it to excellence. Newman's vision has carried the college far. Assistant Dean Liz Leckie was hired by Newman in July. "I chose Liz because she is so student-centered," he said. Leckie's abilities to connect and communicate with students are unique qualities she possesses that add to her strengths as a leader. She credits her current success to one of her many mentors, Professor Ann Darling, communication department chair. Leckie said she has been an instrumental leader in her life. "She knew that it was just a matter of recognizing in me what I didn't," Leckie said. She said that this ability is a major quality of what makes a great leader. Darling has similar ideas about what it means to be a leader. "When I am in a leadership position, my job is to make others' dreams come true by seeing their potential. I notice and nurture their strengths. They may or may not see their own strengths, but I help to bring them to the surface so they can grow," Darling said. Newman agrees. "Part of being an excellent leader is having the ability to identify emerging strengths," he said. The College of Humanities has several such emerging strengths, which Newman is actively nurturing, including |