Forum • Wilson
G. Bradshaw, presidential candidate,
brings the crowd to laughter and
addresses many issues that have been
presented
to the previous candidates. Tracey
Roman / Online Forty-Niner
Speaker • Presidential candidate Wilson G. Bradshaw
answers students’ questions and addresses their concerns for the
future of the campus. Tracey Roman / Online Forty-Niner
Bradshaw plans to increase CSULB’s diversity
By
Mario Burciaga
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
As a possible successor of President Robert C. Maxson, Wilson G. Bradshaw became
the third presidential candidate to address staff, faculty and students Wednesday
in the University Student Union and the Horn Center.
“
I feel excited about being one of the final four finalists here at Cal State
Long Beach,” said Bradshaw, currently at Metropolitan State University,
Minnesota. “There is a spirit here that is captured by the phrase ‘Go
Beach’ and I’m already involved.”
When a student asked him about the importance of student and faculty involvement
in the school-wide decision-making process, Bradshaw said, “It is my
second nature to make sure that students and faculty get involved in the decision
making because I think it’s essential.”
Bradshaw also said if chosen as president he would collaborate with the administration
and listen to their opinions.
“
I’m sure that there are ways to improve what has been laid out by President
Maxson but I need to be informed before making any decisions,” he said. “We
all know many personnel contribute to the decision making on campus and I
will trust the administration to contribute and make the correct decisions.”
Regarding the relationship and interaction between Maxson and the students
at CSULB, Bradshaw implied he understands the necessity of a relationship between
administration and students.
“
I’ve had the opportunity to be president before and will do things
my own way. Of course, students always come first.”
Perhaps the biggest issue presented was the diversity factor in the student
body as well as in staff and administration. Bradshaw said he is currently
president at Metropolitan State University, Minn., is the most racially diverse
institution in the state which is 95 percent white.
He said CSULB especially lacked diversity in the administration department
but the change needs to start with a more diverse student body.
“
As an institution, we have an obligation to serve populations that have been
underserved by higher education,” he said. “We need to be intentional
and effective about it.”
CSULB student Kathleen Luna said Bradshaw had very interesting ideas but the
other candidates are going to make it a tough decision.
“
If I had a chance to vote I wouldn’t know who to vote for, maybe because
none of the candidates gave direct answers,” she said.
Bradshaw concluded by saying, “If president, I will do my best each and
every day, I promise. This is a position I feel strongly about and I’m
not going to out-max a Maxson but I will bring all of Bradshaw.”
|
