With his daily planner in hand, University President Sidney Ribeau gave students and faculty members some insight into his busy schedule.
In his speech, “A Day in the Life of a University President,” Ribeau described, step-by-step, an average day, using yesterday as his example.
The day began with Ribeau speaking to the president on Ohio University. He asked OU’s president to sit with him at the football game this weekend. It has been a tradition, Ribeau said, to offer the opposing school’s president a seat at the game.
After that, Ribeau met with the two student trustees for about an hour to discuss student concerns.
“Meeting with students, such as the trustees, the USG president and the BG News editor to get student input is a major part of the day,” Ribeau said.
He added that he likes to talk to students about everything from parking and faculty to health care. He also makes an effort to meet with a variety of students including student athletes, freshmen and students involved in the arts to get a well-rounded view he said.
After meeting with the students, Ribeau went to Perrysburg to meet with six CEOs from Lucas and Wood counties to discuss internships, co-ops and service opportunities for University students.
“I want to open doors and provide bridges for students to have better access to businesses in the community,” Ribeau said.
He added that by meeting with CEOs who don’t already have a relationship with the University, he hopes to create more opportunities for students to have internships in a real work environment.
Even in the car ride back to Bowling Green, Ribeau continues to work.
“When I’m in the car, I’m usually on the phone,” he said. “That’s usually when I return most of my calls.”
Ribeau said that on an average day he gets about 20 phone calls and anywhere from 100 to 150 e-mails.
Back on campus, Ribeau’s next appointment was with the University’s attorney. Ribeau said he tries to meet with the attorney at least once a day because there is always pending litigation that need to be discussed.
Another person Ribeau regularly meets with is the chief financial officer for the University.
“The meetings consist basically of whether we are in the red or the blue,” Ribeau said. “Do we have enough to keep the lights on or not.”
He added that the meetings with the financial advisor can sometimes be frustrating since he they never have enough money to do everything he wants to do.
Ribeau said he usually ends the day by responding to mail and e-mails.
On average, Ribeau attends three University-related social events. He said that three per week is only a small portion of the social events going on.
“Literally, I get an invitation to attend something every day of the week and every night of the week,” Ribeau said.
Most of the events have to do with good will and financial support for the University.
Most weeks, Ribeau spends a couple days in another city or state.
“This week has been a blessing because I don’t have to travel out of state,” Ribeau said. “This job deals a lot with travel and having to be away from home.”
Concerning the job itself, Ribeau said it takes a certain personality to be a university president. Being smart, nationally known or business oriented are all good, but the job takes someone who likes to do a lot of different things, he said.
“If I am doing my job well, then the students will have the resources, faculty and support structure to be successful at reaching goals and aspirations,” Ribeau said.
Hilary Vogel, junior, said she went to the speech because she was interested to hear what he does everyday and also because she had never seen him before.
“He seemed very personable and approachable,” Vogel said. “Also, he is a great speaker. He’s one of the only speakers I have heard that didn’t say ‘um’ all the time.”
Samantha Massau, student program intern for the student union, was in charge of organizing the speech. She said the speech was a good idea because it gave students the opportunity to get to know Ribeau better.
“Most students don’t get the chance to hear or see President Ribeau,” she said. “This gave them a better idea of what he does and more of a chance to appreciate him.”
Ribeau concluded that while his job is hectic, he believes it is worthwhile.
“The best part of the job is the students,” he said. “They are energetic, bright and optimistic.”