The Tartan asked students what they want to see in a new President. Here’s what you said.
Generally, students answered with two responses: students either want a more liberal, affirming president, or they want a president who ‘stands by Biblical truths.” To risk editorializing, it makes this editor sad that the two are seen as mutually exclusive.
Crisana Speer, a high schooler who is dual-enrolled at Gordon, said that they want a president who emphasizes “inclusivity and diversity! It would be great to have minority leadership at Gordon.”
Holly Hamilton ‘24 said that she wants a president who is “willing to do what’s right, not what’s popular. Following God first, with strong biblical foundations.”
Katherine Jesson ‘21 said that she wants a president who “has a backbone to stand for orthodox Christian values.”
Aidan Perez ‘21 wants “someone who aims to speak God’s Word no matter what.”
Mikayla McClellan ‘18 said that she wants a president who is “affirming and not sexist.”
An alum by the handle @tmfunchion on instagram said that she wants a president who “connects Gordon with the local community instead of continuing to alienate it, and who listens to the voices of faculty, not just trustees / donors / conservative talking heads.” She also said that she wants a leader who “boldly and explicitly protects LGBTQ students and faculty.”
Jazzlyn Casula ‘22 said that she wants “someone who is aware and active in responding to social justice issues.”
Sinyoung Noh ‘21 said that he wants a leader who has “more interactions with students.”
This was a common thread throughout the responses, that students want a president who is more openly social with students.
Madelyn Miyares ‘23 echoed this; she wants someone who is more “connected with the student body” than our previous president.
Ivy Tang ‘22 said the next president should be more “down to earth.”
Jordan Walker ‘24 wants a president who is “focused more on students needs rather than PR.”
Alec Hansen ‘21 wants a president who “identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Margaret Sullivan ‘22 wants to see a president who “actually knows your names like the regular students do.”
Michaela Alexis ‘22 wants someone with more “diverse perspectives” than the previous president.
Sophia Rowe ‘22 wants to see Gordon more connected with surrounding local communities; several local education programs were severed in past years because of Gordon’s stance on LGBTQ issues.
Nathan Talesnick ‘21 wants someone with “strong foundation and a commitment to Biblical truth.”
Shane Seekamp ‘21 wants someone who will not “compromise the Bible.”
Sarah Schilke, an alumna, simply wants someone who “isn’t homophobic.”