Miami Hurricane, April 27, 2001

              INSIDE
Friday, April 27,2001
aLegend
Ot Ut
President Edward T. Foote II
1981-2001
Left Behind
Edward T. Foote II, the University’s fourth president, is stepping down but not stepping out of the picture.
By Jessica Vaquera
Hurricane Staff Writer
"There are times when cities take off. There are times when universities take off. When those times coincide, there is the stuff of combustible excitement. We are here at the threshold of such times!’-Edward T. Foote II, Inaugural Address, December 4,1981
From that day, 20 years ago, President Foote took on the challenge of a struggling university in a struggling city. Since then, his achievements have been deemed remarkable and his legacy left on the University of Miami will not long be forgotten.
But, on June 1, the longest-serving president of a major research university in the nation will complete his tenure.
When Foote arrived at UM, Time magazine derided the University as a “Paradise Lost.” Taking on the large task of sweeping up what then some called, “Suntan U.,” Foote set long-term strategic goals to push the University into a successful direction.
“When they were looking for a new president, they talked to me," said Foote, “I learned about the University and thought it could be a world-class institution, and I have not been disappointed.”
As expected, Yale graduate Foote made his first major task enrollment and academic standards. Undergraduate enrollment was reduced, while quality of the student body was increased. Due to this, tuition profits were cut by $35 million—a massive financial decision which proved worthy as the University’s academic standards became much higher.
After building three new schools, including Architecture and International Studies in 1983 and Communication in 1985, Foote increased the level of teaching and research. In addition to these schools, Foote helped strengthen the faculty by improving the student-teacher ratio from 17:1 in 1981 to 13:1 in 2000.
Furthermore, UM students can thank President Foote for the beautiful, palm tree-covered campus that
they walk through daily. Footes vision for the landscape of campus was part of his plan to improve grounds and facilities for the entire university. Many facilities, including libraries, laboratories and classrooms, were extensively renovated, while all five dormitories on campus were converted into residential colleges. Also, UM’s First Lady, Roberta “Boscy” Fulbright Foote, played an integral role in improving the landscaping and architectural designs of UM’s campuses.
Over the course of his tenure, Foote has seen the University face many obstacles, including Hurricane Andrew in 1992. While the school faced $13.5 million in damages, Dr. Patricia Whitely, Vice President for Student Affairs, said, “Nowhere was his leadership for this University and love for students more apparent. He had this University open in two weeks.”
Besides leaving his day-to-day schedule of improving and maintaining university life, the president and his wife will be leaving their home of 20 years, the president’s mansion, located in Coral Gables. Foote says they will leave behind fond memories.
“Our best memories we have of the house are of raising our three children there, and entertaining 100,000 guests over the years," said Foote.
After the tenure of his presidency, Foote will serve as chancellor of the University. As chancellor, Foote will help the new President-elect Donna Shalala in various areas of fund-raising, alumni support and philanthropy.
“Basically I will help with the transition from my presidency to hers,” said Foote, “I will help the new president in any way that I can”
Leaving big shoes to fill, Foote says, “There are still many changes that need to occur (at UM j,” said Foote, “The building of a great university is never-ending.” With all of the accomplishments—especially the unbelievable turnaround that UM has made since Foote was elected in 1981—and now that it is the largest private research university in the Toutheast, UM will hold “Tad” Foote’s presidency as one of its greatest recollections.
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