At an open forum for graduate and undergraduate students, Walter Harris, the fourth and final provost candidate, emphasized the importance of faculty and student connections.

No students showed up for the forum, and James Gaudino, dean of the College of Communication and Information, said the low turnout probably had to do with the cold temperatures.

Still, Harris, the current provost and vice president of academic affairs at Loyola University in New Orleans, was open to discussing his plans and views concerning Kent State.

The candidate said he has more than 35 years of experience in higher education in a broad range of institutions, including public, private and highly selective universities.

Harris emphasized the need to improve the already strong programs the university has to offer.

“In lifting those programs, we help the whole university,” he said.

He said a key item on his agenda is also to provide more connection between faculty and students to improve retention rates.

Contact news correspondent Christina Stavale at [email protected].