Employees gauge Maxson

A few things have changed since President Robert Maxson stepped in to office at Cal State Long Beach, but so far those working closely with him praise his leadership.

Assistant Joyce Winfree, who has worked for the last three CSULB presidents, said Maxson has continued the quality of leadership that Provost Karl A natol (past CSULB interim president) provided.

"As far as policies go, nothing has changed; when it comes to students, however, he is very responsive and genuinely interested," Winfree said.

Staff in the president's office said the most noticeable difference Maxson has brought to his job is his rapport with students.

"President Maxson has a very positive and upbeat personality and he really makes himself available to everyone," said Winfree.

Winfree related the office staff seemed a little apprehensive before meeting the new president, but as soon as everyone met him there was a positive response. She added that friends and past co-workers from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where Maxson served as president before coming t o CSULB, still frequently call Maxson to keep in touch.

"Feedback from UNLV is positive," Winfree said. "People call him to say 'Hi', or that they miss him."

Administrative secretary Carolyn Thomas, a past employee of UNLV's provost, said tha t regardless of lingering rumors surrounding Maxson and money paid to former UNLV basketball coach Rollie Massamino, she said she believes Maxson is an excellent leader.

"He turned UNLV around and he will do the same for CSULB," Thomas said.

One of Maxson's newest assistants is Rosalinda O'Brien, who said that, although she has only been in office three months, she can already see from others that Maxson has been received very well.

"With his tolerance and openness, (Maxson) is dynamic, and he wants to move us forward," O'Brien said.

Vice President Anatol said he is very optimistic about the future of CSULB being in Maxson's hands.

"I'm absolutely delighted we have a person who thinks of students first," Anatol said.