The selection of the final presidential candidate, Marvin Krislov, places the Oberlin community at an uncertain juncture as it awaits the outcome of Krislov’s visit. Among students and faculty, there is pervasive ambivalence: On one hand they are optimistic about the change inherent in the transition to a new administration, and on the other, questions persist as to the level of involvement that the community had in the selection.

Courtney Merrell, a junior double-degree student and a student representative on the Presidential Search Committee, was positive about Krislov’s selection. “Marvin Krislov has my full confidence as the finalist,” Merrell said. “We said it was a unanimous committee decision, and it is.

“He understands his own talents coming into the job, but he also acknowledges the learning curve involved,” Merrell continued. “He has great ideas and strategies, but he can’t assume he knows all of the challenges of Oberlin.”

Colin Koffel, College junior and student senator who served on an ad-hoc committee that interviewed the presidential candidates, said, “I think he has a lot of potential to understand and embrace the Oberlin ethos, the somewhat weird way we do things.

“What is really important to me is that throughout his whole life he has dedicated himself to social justice issues,” Koffel said, referring to Krislov’s experience with desegregationist activism and affirmative action.

Of Wednesday’s open forum, Koffel said, “I think he interacted very well and honestly with the students there.”

Students and faculty alike seem to have a positive reaction towards Krislov’s credibility and experience.

Bruce Richards, chair of the physics and astronomy department, said, “Krislov seems to have strong qualifications for the job; I am feeling optimistic that he will be good for Oberlin.”

Student senator and College sophomore Ben Klebanoff expressed positive feelings about Krislov’s selection. “He seems to be very friendly, well-qualified for the position and genuinely interested in making Oberlin a better place,” Klebanoff said.

College junior and student senator Colin Jones was also assured by Krislov’s track record. “The fact that he has a great record on labor issues and affirmative action is heartening, and I believe his commitment to making Oberlin accessible to low-income and minority students is strong.”

Some look to the presidential-hopeful with cautious anticipation, warning students to continue being active in College politics.

“He was a very qualified candidate who has a history of working towards a diverse student body and extensive fundraising experience,” said Monisola Gbadebo, a double-degree junior and student representative on the ad hoc interview committee. “Because of his rather high profile, I strongly urge students to take the initiative to voice their concerns and show the tenacity it takes to bridge the student/administrative divide.”.

Brian Pugh, College junior and co-chair of the Oberlin College Democrats, discussed his expectations for the upcoming president. “I hope that the next president will help the College live up to its progressive tradition.

“I’m glad that the search committee plans to choose someone with a track record of activism on behalf of diversity and fairness like Marvin Krislov,” Pugh continued.

Ronald Kahn, acting chair of the politics department who met Krislov at the General Faculty meeting yesterday, said, “Personally, he had a nice way about him. He was not arrogant or defensive. He seems to understand Oberlin’s accomplishments, traditions, values, and the diversity of the many constituencies that constitute Oberlin College.

“He understands the many challenges that Oberlin College faces, such as in development and in attracting to Oberlin a diverse and talented student body and faculty,” said Kahn. “He had a sense of what he does not know. This was refreshing.”

Despite the positive feedback towards Krislov, many are still unhappy about the secretive search process.

“I understand the motivation for confidentiality in the process. It widens the potential pool of applicants and that should be a good thing,” said Karla Hubbard, associate professor of geology. “Whether it had to stay confidential as long as it did, I am less sure.”

A professor in the African American studies department who spoke on the condition of anonymity tempered apprehension about the search process with optimism about the future:

“Generally, I am a bit skeptical since the majority of the faculty had no role in the process, but am willing to see how the president-elect and the ensuing process works out. I am happy that the selection process moved quickly and that we start fresh in the fall.”