Todd quiet on coach, addresses other questions

 

 

By Lauren Guberman

As news of a replacement for former UK men’s basketball head coach Billy Gillispie developed Tuesday night, President Lee Todd remained mum on the issue during an open forum.

Around 20 students came to the event, and around 10 reporters were also there. Most were interested in Todd’s comments on the coaching search, which was still active at the time.

Todd addressed a range of issues in “An Evening with President Lee Todd,” a Cats Den event sponsored by the Student Government and Student Center Director’s Office. SG President Tyler Montell was also present at the event to answer questions.

Eric Lambert, a mechanical engineering junior, asked the first question of the forum, addressing his concern for veterans coming back from war and their incorporation into UK’s campus.

Another campus issue addressed during the forum was problems facing non-traditional seniors.

John Miller, a non-traditional history senior, talked about his struggles with academic bankruptcy and the need to offer more 300-level classes to better fit students’ schedules.

Todd agreed with the need for more opportunities for these older students, but also addressed budget concerns. He did add that incentives are now offered for colleges to offer more class times.

Other issues such as building maintenance and transportation to campus for commuting students were also addressed by Todd.

The only topic Todd outright disagreed with was the matter of carrying concealed weapons on campus.

David Burnett, a business management senior, said to Todd that crime is still prevalent on campus. While Todd acknowledged the issue of crime on campus, he said having guns on campus does more harm than good.