By Kristy Hessman
Oregon Daily Emerald
University faculty and adminis
trators are constantly asking ques
tions of their students to try to get to
know them better. Now the tables
have turned.
In hopes to get to know the faces
students will be staring at in classes,
visiting in offices and seeing around
campus, the Emerald has asked
eight University faculty members
and administrators to answer a few
“get to know you” questions, and to
find out what it means to be in their
respective positions.
Duncan McDonald, Vice
President of Public
Affairs and Development
After working in reporting and
editing positions, McDonald joined
the University faculty in 1978 to
teach at the School of Journalism
and Communication.
“Why I came to the University can
best be answered by the sense of ex
citement and challenge that one is
surrounded by on a major university
campus... It is a pleasure to be a part
of an institution that honors inquiry
and open, honest discourse,” he said.
In 1997 McDonald assumed the
Duncan McDonald said he sees his work as a ‘never ending challenge.’
role of vice president for public af
fairs and development.
“In terms of what my position
means,” McDonald said, “it is clear
to me that communicating the mis
sion and priorities of our University
is a never ending challenge — and a
great opportunity as well.”
If he could change one thing about
higher education, it would be fo
cused on the off-campus community.
“It would be the immediate cre
ation of a stronger sense of respect
for higher education in the state of
Oregon.”
Anne Dhu McLucas,
Dean of the School of Music
and Department of Dance
McLucas came to the University
during the summer of 1992 after 25
years in the Boston area, where she
taught at Wellesley and Harvard,
and founded a new department of
music at Boston College.
“I wanted to come west, and Eu
gene seemed like the perfect place
for its balance of the outdoor life, the
arts and a great university,” she said.
She is currently serving as profes
sor of music, as well as her positions
as dean.
“I treasure both roles,” McLucas
said. “I am very glad to be finishing
my career here at a state university,
where we interact with students of
all kinds and all backgrounds, and
where we have a chance to make a
true difference in the life of a stu
dent.”
As dean, McLucas said she tries
to solve the daily problems, both
large and small, of students and fac
ulty. As professor, she tries to impart
the gift of music to students from
freshmen to doctoral levels.
“If I could change one thing about
higher education it would be com
placency on the part of both stu
dents and faculty,” McLucas said.
“We are so lucky to have this chance
to learn and teach — we should
treasure every moment.”
Suzanne Clark, English Professor
The University’s excellent reputa
tion and the Center for the Study of
Women and Society are two things
that lured Clark to campus.
“The University offers fine oppor
tunities for professors with interests
like mine,” she said. “I have talent
ed students who work hard and pro
vide a constant source of new
knowledge for me.”
As a professor, her work-load is
split between teaching, research and
service.
“Like most faculty members I en
joy my work enormously, but like al
most everyone I’m frustrated with
the interruptions of excessive busi
ness and bureaucracy,” Clark said.
If she could change one thing
about higher education it would be
funding.
“Salaries here for faculty, admin
istration, graduate students and staff
are at low levels compared to other
universities,” Clark said.
Clyde Bentley, Adjunct Profes
sor in the School of Journalism and
Communications
After a couple decades as a news
paper man, Bentley discovered a
new passion.
“I eventually came to a point where
a byline or bonus check wasn’t near
ly as fulfilling as teaching a cub re
porter or budding ad manager the
ropes,” he said. “My position now al
lows me to pay back the news profes
sion in the best way I can. I help train
a new generation of journalists while I
conduct research that helps the media
better serve the public. ”
Bentley came to the University af
ter deciding to leave newspapers to
teach at a community college.
“I came to Eugene to visit my
daughter who was an undergraduate
at the J-school,’ he said. “Once here,
I was persuaded to apply to the doc
toral program.”
Rather than move on after finish
ing his doctorate, Bentley said he
stayed at the University as an ad
junct professor so his son could fin
ish high school and his wife could
grow in her profession.
His idea for change in higher educa
tion is geared toward students getting
more of their time spent in school.
“I would like to see freshmen and
sophomores have greater opportuni
ties to explore their intellectual pas
sions rather than fulfill require
ments,” Bentley said.
Wendy Mitchell, Assistant Dean of
Academic Programs in the
Lundquist College of Business
After receiving her MBA at the
University, Mitchell felt committed
not only to the program, but to the
Do You Know Your LIMIT?
Approximate Blood Alcohol Percentage
Body weight in pounds
hour 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240
1
2
3
4
5
.04
.03 .03 .02 .02 .02
.06 .05 .05 .04 .04
.07 .06 .06
02
03
05
07
.02
.03
.05
.06
CAUTION
Driving Impaired
The chart is only a guide. Each person’s response to alcohol will vary, based on individual tolerance for
alcohol, food intake, fatigue, and other factors. A person’s driving can sometimes be impaired after only
one drink.
Office of Student Life