Chancellor Fox Gets Acquainted with Faculty and Staff

By Heather Holliday | October 18, 2004

Charles Cooper, with physical plant services, and Chancellor Marye Anne Fox chatted about staff needs.

Gracious, friendly, personable, approachable ...

These are just a few of the adjectives offered by faculty and staff when asked to describe Chancellor Marye Anne Fox. The impromptu praise was in reaction to one-on-one visits staff had with her on Thursday, Sept. 30, in the Thorton Hospital Courtyard – all part of the weeklong “Let's Get Acquainted” events hosted by Fox.

Ed Holmes, vice chancellor for Health Sciences and dean of the School of Medicine, started the event just after 12:30 p.m., with a brief introduction of Fox. When she took over the podium, Fox thanked the group for what they do, saying that the hospital staff is an integral part of the university. “I pledge to you that I will do whatever I can to improve the quality of life for you,” she added.

Fox wrapped up her short talk by inviting staff to introduce themselves to her, after which many attendees formed a line to say hello and engage in short conversations with the new chancellor.

Charles Cooper, with physical plant services, introduced himself and told her which department he works for. “She said that she wishes she could do more for us,” he said. “She understands our importance. It was nice to hear she has concerns about staff.”

Sue Ward, an administrative partners supervisor in the emergency department, appreciated the opportunity to meet the chancellor. For one, she said that she’d feel more comfortable going to her to discuss future concerns – the price of parking being at the top of the list.

Chancellor Marye Anne Fox met with staff in the Thorton Hospital Courtyard

Gretchen Laue and Dolly Casco, both with extended studies and public programs, traveled from campus to meet the chancellor. “We’ve heard about her interest in the community,” said Laue, which partly prompted them to make the trip to Thorton. Casco added with a laugh, “Plus, we wanted to be able to recognize her.”

Fox held similar “Let's Get Acquainted” events to meet with faculty and staff at the Price Center, the Medical Center, and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.