My goodness. What has happened to Humboldt State University? How can anyone blame leadership of 10-30 years ago for the current enrollment and budget crisis? The scuttlebutt is that there are many administrative/management positions on campus which are vacant or filled with interim appointments. Without effective competent administrators, who is responsible to provide fiscal over-sight and leadership?

Yikes, so how many programs are to be downsized or phased out? What about the Third Street Gallery, Coral Sea, Natural History Museum, Center Arts, KHSU, Telonicher Marine Laboratory? All of these areas provide an educational experience through participation and/or observation. If HSU Third Street Gallery and Coral Sea are let go, does that mean the Art and Oceanography Departments will be eliminated? What else is slated to be downsized or eliminated?

Humboldt State University is a significant economic engine in our community. HSU is not a commuter University — it’s a residential University and next year it looks like HSU is on its way to having 1,000 fewer students. What’s up with recruiting — has it gone by the wayside? Poor management, who is responsible? Egad, enough excuses, leadership needs to be accountable. Our hopes for a better future in Humboldt County are directly tied to Humboldt State’s ability to solve the current budget and enrollment crisis. The infrastructure exists for Humboldt State to be a distinguished leader in public higher education but first, who will set the course and lead us forward? Time is of the essence.

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Alex Stillman is a longtime resident and former mayor of Arcata.