E. Thomas Sullivan, the fourth presidential candidate to come to campus, held an open forum on Jan. 25 to answer questions about his impressions of the University and his confidence in leading a premier research institution. In his most recent position, Sullivan served as provost of the University of Minnesota for seven and a half years, where he managed budgets, coordinated private and public fundraising and reorganized the University. Sullivan’s career has also included employment at three public land-grant universities and a private university. “I think having been at both public and private universities, perhaps at a scale somewhat bigger than UVM, has given me a comparative advantage at this point in my life,” Sullivan said. With 22 years of experience in administrating higher education and two deanships at different institutions, Sullivan said he believes his experience would align very well with UVM and the state of Vermont. “The experience that I’ve garnered from being a faculty member and then in positions of leadership as Dean and Provost… give me some insight as to how [I could] help the faculty and students lead this University to even greater heights of excellence,” he said. Sullivan said he does not believe that the transition from a much larger university to UVM will act as an obstacle but as an opportunity, considering UVM’s deep passion for liberal education, the humanities, science and the environment. “I see this as a natural progression of my career, to perhaps come to an institution that seems very focused, very strategic,” he said. “I think in this case, your size and your focus is a real advantage. Not a path.” Some participants at the forum said they enjoyed Sullivan’s ability to speak in a colloquial manner as well as his focus on the liberal arts and humanities. “It’s important to find a president also driven by values,” Library Professor Trina Magi said. Even though Sullivan only visited Burlington for the first time last May, he said he has always shared strong connections with the University. His wife, Leslie Sullivan, and her older sister, are 1977 and 1973 UVM graduates, respectively. In addition, one of his nephews recently graduated last May. “There is a fondness for this University,” Sullivan said. “When I was called to see if I would consider the institution, it was a combination of being the right time for me… and also the fondness that my family has for