Less than 24 hours after being named the new president of the University of Central Oklahoma, Don Betz said it would be presumptuous to speak about taking the university in a new direction.
He is, however, excited to get to work at what he called "an emerging metropolitan university."
"UCO is right smack in the middle of the largest population in the state," he said.
Betz said he sees UCO continuing to be recognized across the country and beyond for a number of signature programs. Among those are the Forensic Science program, which graduated its first master's student this year, and the Academy of Contemporary Music, which graduated its first students with associate's degrees this year.
Betz, 66, said as he moves into his position at UCO it will be important to build closer collaborative relations with governmental and nongovernmental partners to enhance the university's growth.
Such partnerships are something he's focused on at Northeastern State University, where he has been president since July 2008.
Some have been critical of Betz's partnerships, questioning his relationship with the Council on American-Islamic Relations and his beliefs on Palestinian sovereignty.
Betz, a former political science professor with a background in Middle Eastern studies, has traveled to Jordan and Oman on a Fulbright Scholarship and has worked for the United Nations on issues related to the Middle East. He founded the International Coordinating Committee on the Question of Palestine, an organization dedicated to pursuing peace in the Middle East.
Betz said he's attended Council on American-Islamic Relations meetings and was their keynote speaker at an event in 2008. He said he's found the group to operate completely above board.
As to his stance on Palestine issue, he said he believes the only true road map to peace in the Middle East is for there to be a true Israeli state and a true Palestinian state. He said some, depending on their political beliefs, try to interpret that to mean he is only in favor of a Palestinian state.
"Both of these communities have a right to live in peace," Betz said. "To me the litmus test of a real peace is that people live a normal life."
ABOUT THE SEARCH
The Regional University System of Oklahoma conducted a national search to replace UCO President W. Roger Webb, who announced his retirement in January. Webb initially was to retire June 30, but said this week he will stay through July until Betz takes the position Aug. 1.
Sheridan McCaffree, executive director of the university system, said regents had 36 applicants from 23 states and one from Finland.
Regents don't ever reveal the names of applicants, McCaffree said.
"We tell them we'll keep their names confidential; we feel that leads to a better applicant pool," she said.
Former Gov. Brad Henry in January said he would consider applying for the UCO president position, but McCaffree said she could not confirm if he was an applicant.
Regents now will turn attention to the search for a president at Northeastern State University.
"I think we'll take a breath," McCaffree said, "but I'm sure they will be talking about it at their next meeting."
Betz said he will move back to the Edmond area from Tahlequah in the coming months with his wife, Susanne, and the family's dog and cat.
"I have a great deal of affection for Tahlequah and Northeastern State," Betz said.
He said there were probably two institutions in the world where he would wish to work, NSU and now UCO.
"I feel truly blessed to be able to do this," he said.