"My academic experience as far as further degrees, I don't have any," she told faculty and students at an open forum Tuesday. "I think folks are pretty aware of that. I think that's been very public."

Wilbur called the meeting to discuss her upcoming presidency amidst conversations on campus about her qualifications to be president.

Journalism professor John Hartman pressed questions relating to the topic.

"This is an academic institution," he said. "Why don't you tell us about your educational background and also if you could tell us your experience teaching at the college level?"

Wilbur, who has been CMU's vice president of governmental relations and public affairs for seven years, said she has extensive administrative experience, which is why the university's Board felt she was the best fit for interim president.

Prior to joining CMU's executive team, Wilbur headed three state departments with combined staffs and budgets larger than those of CMU. As the university's governmental liaison, she said, her knowledge of higher-education funding and its ties to Lansing are in-depth.

"The budget picture is so sour, so bad, that you need to be there, you need to be part of the process," she said. "I think it's very important at this point, that there be a seamless groove into the presidency."

Phil Squattrito, Academic Senate chairman-elect and chemistry professor, questioned Wilbur on any uncertainties she has about the university.

"Are there any aspects at this moment that you don't know as much about as you'd like to?" he asked.

Wilbur said she is fortunate to be heading into the experience having worked closely with University President Michael Rao.

Other than that, she said, her questions will be answered in interactions with people on campus.

"I have plenty of relationships with many faculty members and I will reach out to any variety of folks," she said after the forum. "I have every expectation of being very visible on campus certainly, and in the Mount Pleasant community."

Timothy Hartshorne, professor of psychology, asked Wilbur how her management style differs from Rao's.

Wilbur said she is inclusive.

"I will expect to have meetings I think Mike has had too," she said. "I'm not good at keeping secrets, I don't know how to keep secrets, and I don't lie well."

Another faculty member raised concerns on the make-up of the presidential screening committee, which, he claims, does not have any faculty members on its roster.

Policy holds that the Academic Senate chairman and chairman-elect, which includes psychology professor Ray Francis and chemistry professor Phil Squattrito. But there are no other faculty members at large.

The screening committee will lead the Board in seeking out and retaining a new president.

Board policy requires one administrator and one student to be on the committee, among various other people. Board Chairwoman Gail Torreano chose community members to fill three positions, which are open to discretion.

"The policy does not have all the community members," Hartshorne said. "It has just one."

Wilbur said Torreano's choice was based on concerns she heard from people around Mount Pleasant.

"I think that was some reaction to comments that had been made by the community at large ... that felt the opportunity or need to have a bit more input," she said.

In addressing concerns about the increasing number of interim leadership positions on campus, Wilbur said after the meeting, that some positions will be in a flux during her tenure, such as the vice president of Outreach and Alumni Relations.

"It is very likely while we have an interim that search would not launch until we have a president," she said.

university@cm-life.com