In 2003, former University president Dr. Robert E. Witt set a series of goals he desired to see the University of Alabama accomplish by 2013. Under his leadership, Witt set plans for the Capstone to “become a university of choice for the best and brightest” and increase enrollment to 28,000 students, among other things.

It’s been extraordinarily evident from my less than two years spent here at Alabama that the University has worked hard to fulfill these goals. Our enrollment has long surpassed the 28,000 mark, mostly through the utilization of increased out-of-state scholarships and recruitment tours directed at garnering the attention of high-achieving, college-bound students from across the U.S.

Along with the increase in student population came state-of-the-art facilities, such as the newly constructed South Engineering Research Center and plans to further add on to an already top of the line Science and Engineering Complex. It should also be noted that the Riverside, Lakeside, Ridgecrest and the new North Bluff residence halls are essentially the Ritz-Carlton compared to the on-campus housing offered at most universities across the nation.

The combination of all of these factors and more have led our University to climb steadily in the rankings as one of the best public universities in the nation. And as each year passes, our diploma will become increasingly valuable when pursuing our post-undergraduate plans. Whether it be applying for graduate schools or walking into a job interview, we can thank Dr. Witt for working towards strengthening our University’s national prestige and opening a vast number of doors for us in our futures.

Unfortunately, our overall college experience is not one based solely on statistics and rankings. While it is quite clear that Dr. Witt’s presidency is one filled with many accolades and accomplishments, it has also been one characterized by a large disconnect between the student body and the University administration, including Dr. Witt himself.

The weak relationship between the two bodies has only been perpetuated by events occurring just in the past year alone. From multiple race-related incidents to continued inequality in certain areas of our campus, our administration has not made the proper effort in reaching out to students to create an environment that is not only educational, but also fair and honest across the boards.

Even more disheartening is the idea that this lack of recognition of the student body by University administration could continue or even worsen if the right person is not chosen for the job. We will continue to receive short emails filled with empty threats only after incidents that hit national news occur, unless a president who truly believes in a working relationship with students is selected to fill the position.

Before spring break, this newspaper called for all of us, as a student body, to fight for our voice to be heard in the forthcoming decision by our Board of Trustees to select a new president to lead our campus. While the board selection process may still stay the same this time, with only our SGA president serving as our student representative, we still have a chance to state our grievances with what we see now and express our desires for the future of our campus. In order to force ourselves a spot at the table, we must ensure the board and our own SGA president know that we are not just statistics, and that through our own hard work and future accomplishments, it is we who hold the future of the Capstone in our hands.

Brad Tipper is a sophomore majoring in political science and economics. His column runs biweekly on Thursdays.