The leadership of Commonwealth University has left students with more questions than answers.
On April 29, an email from the President’s Office informed the CU community that President Bashar Hanna would step down effective July 31.
A new interim president has been named while CU searches for someone to fill the role permanently: Dr. Jeffrey Osgood.
“There are no limitations to my role,” Osgood said. “….[W]here a permanent president has a three-year contract… [,] I don’t have a contract at all. I’m just serving until your next president is hired and starts.”
Osgood is far from home but committed to students. “I’m here because I care deeply about our system. This will be a year away from my husband and my two dogs and I’m doing it because I care deeply about the universities.”
He wants students to know he is a first-generation college student who once dropped out.
“I want them to know that I’m exactly who they are. I’m not somebody who is privileged or who has lived a rarefied life. I’m just a regular guy.”
Osgood also promised to listen.
“I am making a very strong commitment to have a greater presence on the other two campuses as well. I’ve heard from those students and faculty and staff already that they want to feel as equal partners in this institution, and they don’t.”
He plans to lead differently.
“First of all, radical transparency is the thing that is going to be very different about my leadership style and what has been the case. I say that, not in a way to be critical of the previous administration, but we have some really big problems…”
Osgood will launch “Temp Talks,” spending a full day at each CU location, and hold open office hours in his new space in the Arts and Administration building.
“There is a lot of work ahead of us, but I am super excited about the opportunity to be a part of the Commonwealth family,” Osgood said. “If we’re not here for the students, I’m not sure what we’re here for.”
As he embarks on this next step in his journey, he views it as a collaboration. One where students, faculty, and staff are invited to pick up the pen and help author our story. A new chapter has begun — and President Osgood is ready to turn the page.
