Nellis up for the challenge

UI President Duane Nellis makes a point during a news conference Wednesday.

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Story Published: Jul 1, 2009 at 9:57 PM PDT

Story Updated: Jul 1, 2009 at 10:22 PM PDT

By Matt Loveless

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MOSCOW - It's a challenging time for the University of Idaho. State support seems to shrink by the day, entire facilities are closing down and employee morale is an issue.

It makes for a unique first day at work.

On Wednesday, Duane Nellis was back on the UI campus - this time to stay. The geographer and former Kansas State University Provost is now the university's 17th president.

In May, UI trimmed its budget by almost $12 million and Wednesday Nellis addressed what it will be like to take the reigns in the midst of a stressed economy.

"If we can be creative and innovative, we can set an example, not only in the region, but nationally, about an institution that has taken this challenge and turned it into a strategic positive,” said Nellis, at a news conference held in his office. “So, I see coming in at this time as an opportunity."

Among a number of budget-driven topics, Nellis addressed the need to find ways to bring up faculty salaries closer to the national average. He supports a change that would have students pay tuition instead of fees, allowing the money to be used for faculty pay.

Nellis begins his first full week at the helm on what the university is calling a listening tour, where he'll make his way across the state to visit UI's various campuses and constituents.

"I think it's the feedback that's going to be very powerful, really hearing from them. This is the start of my administration here. This is a new time for the institution, and I want to hear about what's on their mind for the institution

Nellis becomes the third person to hold the office in as many years. He said the recent turnover shouldn't be a continuing trend, that he hopes it's the last stop in his career.

"I need to feel like I'm making a difference here. If I'm here three of four years, and it seems like I'm not the right person, then maybe I need to look at other options. But I'm committed, I'm sincerely committed to try to do what I can to try and move the institution forward."

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