University of Idaho Interim President Don Burnett has been burning the midnight oil since taking over the leadership of the university from Duane Nellis. He’s had a full schedule since his first day on the job on June 1.
Drop Don Burnett a line and with his schedule he’s apt to answer you at almost any time, including at 10 p.m. on a Saturday. His work schedule has been full in his first several weeks on the job traveling inside and outside of Idaho, meeting the university’s constituents.
He says he’s found a large reservoir of goodwill toward the university in his travels, but believes the school can also expand its outreach efforts.
“From a broad public perspective, from a broad public relations perspective, I think one thing the University of Idaho needs to do more is targeted messaging on specific programs on which we have the advantage of excellence,” Burnett says.
Burnett will serve until a new university president is chosen, a process which is expected to take several months, at least. In the meantime, Burnett says he’ll work to spread the message that higher education is an investment, not a cost, and that an educated workforce will play a vital role in the state’s future.
Copyright 2013 Boise State Public Radio
