President's location becomes issue

The staff editorial is the majority opinion of the editorial board of The Murray State News. The editorial board is composed of all section editors.

Where does he go?

This is a simple question. Murray State administrators, students, faculty and staff should easily be able to find the man who runs the University - Interim President Kern Alexander.

However, The Murray State News found this a daunting task April 6 when staff members tried to find out where in the world Alexander had gone.

After calling the President's office several times and getting no cooperation, staff members began to call other offices. For another surprise, staff members were unable to locate other top administrators.

A large question began to surface around the newsroom: who is in charge?

Well, we know the answer to this question - the president, of course. But where was he?

The President's office would only release an official statement saying he would return to the office Monday from an unpaid leave of absence. The office workers said Alexander was in constant contact with them, but we were unable to find anyone else who could say the same.

As the university interim president, Alexander is a busy man and cannot be available for immediate comment at a moment's notice.

However, his job description states he speaks officially for the University. It also states, "Other responsibilities of the president are to serve as the official medium of communication between the Board of Regents and the Faculty Senate, Student Senate, Staff Congress, administrative officers and individual members of the campus community."

It seems then the University spokesperson would be available for comment, or at the very least, make his whereabouts known.

Alexander's absence from campus for a week is not the problem, though the timing seems off because of the basketball coach search and budget situation. The issue is alarming because of the secrecy involved.

If Alexander went on vacation in England for a week, OK. If Alexander went to Louisville, OK. If he was in Frankfort, fine. But just be open and honest.

Alexander is serving as interim president at Murray State, and he is not required or expected to work at all times. This is understandable, but the secrecy is inexcusable, especially at a public university receiving state funding. Because of this, the public and consequently, the news media, have a right to know basic information.

No one called asking for private details, but something as simple as the president's location was a heavily guarded secret. The Murray State News has an obligation to inform students about campus news.

The President of the University should be more than willing to keep an open and honest communication line to The News.

However, he showed no signs of improving the situation when his office canceled an interview with The News Thursday morning.

We understand things come up at the last minute, but the president seems unwilling to reach out and provide the media with any basic information.