Forbes Rankings : We are #407
http://www.forbes.com/top-colleges/#page:41_sort:0_direction:asc_search:_filter:All%20states
JSJ,
We are ranked 407, with the highest tuition, room and board (retail) of any school above 350, and certainly at retail one of the most expensive schools in the country. Do you have an opinion as to what is a realistic place that St. John's can place in a national ranking if a new President set out to change the Vincentian style of management?
For example,
Why should Boston College, Georgetown, and Villanova all have top 15 business schools, when the heart of business in the U.S. is right in NYC? Couldn't we put together a team of faculty with successful business experience and establish a world class internship program to at least be in the top 50? You may be aware that Jim Riley exerted his influence at Goldman Sachs to establish internships there. We need more active engagement with the NYC business community.
Why can't we establish as a goal, stronger relationships between faculty, administration, and students. Faculty and even other Vincentians often remarked that Harrington was aloof, which contrasted his engaging style with big donors. The new President should be charismatic, and be someone who knows many students and staff on a first name basis.
Rather than just seek out big money, with a metro population that includes some of the most influential people in the world, why not solicit donations to establish a faculty chair for faculty renowned in politics, business, even sports managements. What about reaching out to prominent alumni. Wouldn't it be cool to have a faculty position in government for a Mario Cuomo (alum). The lectures alone would be priceless.
St. John's markets proximity to NYC, but can do more to shape curriculum and student experience around Manhattan. For example, if it doesn't exist, wouldn't an art history course, or architecture course that focused on NYC museums and structures be amazing. After all, students travel to Europe and take similar courses. No doubt Europe offers a phenomenal experience, but NYC isn't exactly Dubuque in that regard.
I know that the E/F train is only a couple of miles from campus, but nearly every school I visited in the Boston area (within 50 miles) offers free shuttles to students to attract students that love an urban experience like Boston. If SJU really wanted to connect themselves to NYC, shuttle buses that have stops in Manhattan from the Queens campus would likely be very popular, especially on weekends when Jamaica is kind of dull.
Yes, I'd be a good choice for University President, but only have a masters.
Thanks.