The WynnBlog is proud to announce that it has dubbed July 1, 2008, “RSU Academic Freedom Day.” July 1 marks Dr. Larry Rice’s first official day as president of Rogers State. Chairman Joe Wiley will officially be off the payroll and off the grounds (not to mention out of state). Maybe, just maybe, with some hard work and dedication by Dr. Rice, RSU can undergo a needed and radical transformation of atmosphere.

As a state university, RSU should protect and defend students’ (all students’) rights of free speech, free exercise of religion, and basic fairness. There are many who would argue that those things have not been the hallmark of the Wiley Cartel Administration.

I reassert my hope that Dr. Rice, who I have heard repeatedly is a good man, will make positive changes in the way RSU operates. One bit of advice I would give Dr. Rice (all you RSU readers who visit my blog–yes, I know you visit–can pass this along): be as open and transparent as possible. There is a well-established, though possibly not-spoken, policy within the RSU system that everything’s a secret. No one can talk to people out of their departments. Sharing information is bad. Big brother is watching. Disagreement is not appreciated, welcomed, or allowed. All the animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. Individual after individual has filed wrongful termination suits against the university. Ad nauseam.

The time for change is now. Dr. Rice, I have the greatest in hopes for you and your administration. However, as you begin to clean up messes, the best thing you can do is to be open and public with what you have found. Tell the community what you have discovered that is wrong and what you are doing to fix it. Make up where you can. Rebuilt broken relationships and the community’s trust. It’s time, once and for all, to kill that 800-pound gorilla in the room.

Now that Dr. Rice has the full reigns, we’ll be watching with the greatest of expectations.

Happy RSU Academic Freedom Day!