KOPPES ASSUMES DYE'S POST

Acting President Clayton Koppes knows about being invisible on campus. The former Dean of the College tells a story about the time he walked into the DeCafe and, like any bored DeCafe patron, struck up conversation with his neighbor. When it came time for introductions, Koppes introduced himself as the new acting President. In a perplexed tone, the student asked what happened to the old one.

The"old one" in question is Oberlin College President Nancy Dye, currently on sabbatical. Dye will travel to Asia to visit Oberlin Shansi Memorial Association sites on her sabatical, which is in effect until January 1, 2001.

Koppes, while qualified for the role, is not afraid to take himself too seriously. Speaking frankly about his presidential duties, Koppes joked, "The most significant thing I have done to establish my own identity is to re-arrange the furniture in this office." Pointing to the stately desk by the window, Koppes said proudly, "I moved that."

Koppes was chosen by the Board of Trustees to serve as acting President. Koppes joined the College faculty in 1978 as professor of history and became department chair in 1986.

While Koppes sees the role of acting president as "primarily providing continuity," this does not mean Koppes does not discern problems with Oberlin College. Increasing diversity on campus and creating meaningful community between groups seems to be one of Koppesı major goals.

Koppes said, "We have improved diversity in Faculty hiring, we have launched a number of special programs, such as Common Ground Initiative, in conjunction with the Hewlett Foundation. I think the climate has improved, but there are still significant issues and everyone on campus needs to be invovled in the solution."

In addition to overseeing the construction of the Kettering Science Center addition, Koppes will be involved in the allocation of new faculty positions, as well moving along planning for the arts facility this fall. Following Dyeıs lead, Koppes will be active in "major Capital Campaign planning effort."

One of Koppesı biggest supporters is Dean of Students Peter Goldsmith. He said, "Iıve very much enjoyed working with Clayton, who seems enormously confortable in the role of Acting President. One assumes there wonıt be a great many initiatives on campus, on the other handŠtime will not be frozen in the six months Nancy Dye will be away."

President Dyeıs varied schedule includes a two month tour of Shansi sites throughout Asia, including visits to India, China, Indonesia and Japan. The Oberlin Shansi Memorial Association sponsors a cultural exchange program that sends representatives on a two year program designed to contribute constructively to Asian communities. In most cases the representatives teach English.

In February, Dye told the Review, "Oberlin, particularly in Japan and China, is very well-known and highly regarded. The Asian Studies program sets us apart from many liberal arts colleges." Dye hopes to return to Oberlin with many ideas to serve the Collegeıs already esteemed East Asian Studies Department.

After visiting Asia, Dye will return to the United States for a tour of several historically African American colleges throughout the south, including Morehouse College, Spellman College and Fisk University. Fisk University, noted Goldsmith, has "historic connections to Oberlin College, as Oberlin faculty were involved in early staffing."

Dyeıs sabbatical comes after six years as president, during which her administration has enacted critical change. Dye has presided over the construction of the $6 million Adam J. Lewis Environmental Studies Center, which has generated international publicity for its groundbreaking sustainable design, as well as the addition onto the Kettering Science Center. During Dyeıs administration, both the selectivity of the College and the matriculation rate have improved dramatically.

Koppes said, "I think Oberlin College has made tremendous strides in the past few years under Nancyıs leadership. The spike in admissions rate is significant because it provides a new foundation for further progress in admissions. That a lot about the strength of the institution and has direct bearing on the well-being of students, faculty and staff."

Koppes can tell you the exact rate of admittance versus matriculation, and he knows that those who finally come are the most "talented and interesting students." He notes not only that "many students have become lifelong friends" but also that heıs "eager to see students in a variety of campus settings." Including the DeCafe.