Salmeier Reflects on First Three Months as Interim President
Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Nathan LePere.
After Bluefield University president Dr. David Olive stepped down at the end of the fall semester of 2023, Dr. Michael Salmeier, vice president for academic affairs, was named interim president. In that new role since the beginning of the year, Dr. Salmeier recently reflected on his first three months of leadership.
He described the initial phase as both “challenging” and “rewarding.” He stepped into the interim president’s position as the school was discovering some financial issues that would require major budgetary adjustments to avoid ending the fiscal year in a deficit. But, he said, in the midst of those challenges he has had the support of the BU community.
“There is a deep love for BU expressed by our students, staff, faculty, alumni, and Board of Trustees,” Dr. Salmeier said. “It’s always encouraging to see that love lived out.”
Dr. Salmeier also spoke about his accomplishments thus far.
“My two key goals over the last few months have been to provide stability in the midst of transition and to assist the Board-appointed task force in developing a path forward in light of the financial issues,” he said. “I believe I have done reasonably well in accomplishing those goals.“
His said his “ultimate responsibility” going forward as interim president is to ensure the university’s operations are maintained in preparation for the next president.
“So, really, what I want to achieve in the near future is setting the stage for the next president, whoever that may be, to come in and be successful,” Dr. Salmeier said. “I want to see BU thrive. We have a fantastic legacy. For over one hundred years we have created opportunities for the generational transformation of our students’ lives and their communities. I want to do my best to prepare the way for the next president to build on that legacy.”
Dr. Salmeier also shared concerns for BU and small, private colleges in rural communities that are facing increasing competition to attract students. He expressed concern for the need for BU to renovate and improve its facilities. Addressing these concerns, he said, will require various approaches and strategies.
“Those strategies will likely include new programs and partnerships, creative thinking about new revenue streams, and renewed efforts in fundraising,” Dr. Salmeier said. “Much of that will be led by the next president. My focus right now is helping us keep our missional focus as we lay the groundwork for that presidential transition.”
BU students also reflected on Dr. Salmeier’s leadership during the first three months as interim president. Courtney Frame said she appreciated how Dr. Salmeier has listened to students’ concerns about problems on campus and how doesn’t “push it on the back burner.”
“I would like to see him keep that positive, honest, attitude with students,” Frame said about what she’d like to see Dr. Salmeier do in the future. “As a student, it can be easy to feel like we’re never told the truth; however, I’ve already seen him address ongoing issues openly during chapel, and I think it takes a lot of bravery as a president of a university to do that. He doesn’t seem to hesitate to share the truth, especially when it’s causing a visible disturbance amongst the student body, and I think that is the kind of representative we need here at BU.”
Frame also shared some advice for Dr Salmeier: to rely on God for wisdom and guidance during his interim presidency.
“It’s no secret the school is dealing with some tough issues, and I think he’s entering this position at a very inconvenient time,” Frame said. “However, I think as long as he puts God first and continues to openly display his walk in faith whilst doing so, I think BU can slowly get back on track to success.”
Tristen Gillenwater, vice president of BU’s Student Government Association, said she hopes Dr. Salmeier will also rely on input from SGA in his decision-making. She said she believes members of SGA can convey what they are hearing from fellow students to help Dr. Salmeier make decisions with student opinions in mind.