Students and faculty reacted more positively to College President James Wright's comments about Dartmouth's research commitment in his inaugural address Wednesday than they had when he called the College a "research university" at the April campus-wide meeting to announce his presidency.
Wright devoted much of his address this week to reiterating and clarifying his definition of the terms "college" and "research university."
Wright said Wednesday that while Dartmouth is a college, it has qualities of a research university. "We are a university in terms of our activities and our programs, but one that remains a college in name and in its basic values and purposes," he said.
Some students and alumni expressed concern last spring about Wright possibly shifting emphasis from undergraduates and quality teaching.
For this reason, History Professor Jere Daniell praised Wright's decision to discuss the difference between the terms "research university" and "college" in his inaugural address.
"We're obviously a university and we're obviously committed to research as a tool for increasing knowledge," Daniell said.
Most research universities, Daniell said, draw criticism because graduate students teach undergraduate classes. He said that simply does not happen at Dartmouth.
English Professor William Cook agreed with Wright's assertion that more research and interdisciplinary work will complement undergraduate teaching.
"Research and teaching are linked," Cook said. "They're not in conflict."
Rex Morey, president of the Class of 1999, said, "I think it's important to give the faculty an opportunity to practice their research so they can be more effective and dynamic professors."
William Whitney '02 said he considered the difference between a small college and a larger university when applying to schools and was glad to hear Wright's views Wednesday.
Students and faculty cheered Wright's decision to return to the classroom teaching a history class Winter term.
Cook said this choice was a "good sign" for the College's future and strengthened his initial response of "dancing with joy" when Wright was announced Spring term.
2001 Class President Jon Potter said the decision is an "indication Wright will be more of a presence on campus."
And Student Assembly President Josh Green '00 said he hopes Wright will be "a president truly in touch with the students."
Green praised Wright's optimism, and said he was pleased Wright mentioned a commitment to undergraduate education, a commitment to strengthen financial aid and the need for additional social options and spaces.
Daniell said the College's future with Wright at the helm should be "golden and the envy of almost everyone."
Janet Saint Germain '02 said she found Wright's words to the freshmen class especially moving.
She said his acknowledgment that he too, was starting a new journey this year, was what she would take away from the speech.
