By: Lysander Tiu
Four months after the end of former Silliman University President Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann’s term and establishment of a Management Transition Team, the institution continues to operate without a clear leadership direction during the first semester. This places the University at a critical juncture—how can it effectively function and serve its stakeholders if its own leadership remains uncertain?
On the surface, the University appears to be moving forward. It successfully held major events such as the All-University Academic Convocation and the 125th Founders Day celebration, while advancing initiatives such as the construction of a new Medical Technology building and Alumni Hall. Under the stewardship of Board of Trustees (BOT) Chair Ricardo Balbido Jr., the institution has demonstrated that its operations can continue even without a president.
However, these successes only risk masking one blaring truth: the students still have no president.
The Management Transition Team and the SU-BOT may have the capabilities to sustain the University, but a transitional arrangement is distinct from long-term administration. The longer it operates under an interim structure, the more predisposed it is to making delayed and passive decisions, particularly on matters requiring a well-studied vision and commitment.
As an essential post, the presidency is responsible for all aspects of ‘academic operations and strategic direction.’ The responsibility a University president carries cannot be undermined as they become the liaison between the institution and its stakeholders.
The search for the new president began last Feb. 16. Along with it, the promise of a transparent evaluation process of selection including a public forum and ‘competency-based and mission-aligned framework.’ Such commitments naturally raised expectations for timely and substantive updates on the search.
Yet, as months passed, students have been left in the dark. Little has been disclosed about the progress of the search, leaving the community with more questions than answers. Students remain largely unaware of the qualities, qualifications, and priorities the selection committee seeks in the next president, as well as the timeline for concluding the search.
At the same time, the University should not be expected to compromise the rigor of its search simply to fill the vacancy. Balbido has previously acknowledged this, saying that they have to consider the “demands of the University and high standards required for the position.” A thorough search is therefore necessary—but so is meaningful communication about its progress.
The Weekly Sillimanian calls the SU Board of Trustees to provide students with clear and substantive updates on the presidential search and ensure that the process moves toward the appointment of a capable leader. It must reaffirm its commitment to transparency and preserve the confidence of the stakeholders it serves.
Silliman may continue to function without a president, but functioning is not the same as having a well-thought strategic direction. The pursuit of the most qualified candidate should not leave the University without a clear understanding of where the process stands.
