Since the year 2002 the student enrolment numbers in Southern Illinois University have been on the decline in an accelerated fashion. The administration has not been able to do much. On the other hand there has been divisions. From putting a stop on the growth of the social fabric of the university and the city, to less than sufficient academic programs and a growing amount of distrust between the general university community (students, faculty, staff) and the administration of the university, the administration is left wanting. To further exacerbate the issue, a weak administration in 2011 also led to a first every faculty union strike, further straining the positivity that SIU community is known for. Lack of shared leadership, inability to incorporate new knowledge in the academic programs and a severe lack of vision is further upsetting SIUC's fortunes and enrolment has plummeted from 21,873 in 2002 to less than 16,000 in 2017-18.
The only time SIUC had enrolment numbers above 20,000 (20,500 to be exact) in this decade, had a positive connection between its administration and general population, had programs that grew and served the community (such as nursing and biomedical engineering) and was a safe and affordable place to go to was in 2010 when Samuel Goldman was the chancellor of the university. Dr. Goldman was brought on board in 2008 when the current chancellor was removed from his position and the nation was going through some of the worst financial crisis. Dr. Goldman stabilized the university, brought on programs that were relevant and made the attitude between the university administration and the general population of the university extremely affable. Dr. Goldman is appreciated by all his colleagues, he is cherished by the community and continues to stay active inspite of being retired from SIUC twice (once as dean of College of Education and then as Chancellor)! Dr. Goldman led many efforts to raise the monies that the SIUC foundation makes for helping the needy and has been a Chief advocate for the SIAirport for spurring the economic activities.
Dr. Goldman has dedicated his life to SIUC and Carbonbale. He lives in Carbondale even after retirement and continues to remain active in the community. He is a true leader and a devoted Southern Illinosian.
Through this petition we urge the SIU administration to bring back Samuel Goldman as the President of SIU system for a period of 2 years so he can help stabilize the universities once again and bring SIUC to the glory days of the past.
