C.J.: Fine to call her 'Prez,' says Hamline University's new leader

Others might balk, but Hamline University President Fayneese Miller is fine with being referred to as "The Prez."

"It does not bother me. What I do to make current and past members of the community Hamline proud is more important than what I am called."

She sounds like one of those people with a psychology degree who has her head on straight. A former dean at the University of Vermont, she was also an associate professor of psychology at Brown University, where she was founding chairwoman of Ethnic Studies. I kicked off this Q&A with a question about Minnesota and ethnicity.

Q: You haven't lived in Minnesota that long, but you already have noticed some hard conversations we're not having about race?

A: The shootings of black males that occurred in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and around the nation shed light on a series of issues — race, justice, poverty, class, and belongingness — that need statewide and national attention. We cannot hope to change the status quo if we fail to acknowledge and address the issue of race. We do not live in a race-blind society, nor have we ever. However, we can gain a better understanding and appreciation of the lived experiences of "the other" if we acknowledge the problem. Then we can work to address the problem — together, as members of a civil society that is inclusive, sees diversity as an indication of excellence, educates all at a level that is equitable and just, and creates opportunities for growth and participation in the economic, social, and political growth of the state and nation. I fear for the soul of our nation if we do not acknowledge and learn from our past.

Q: What's going to be your priority? Fundraising, academics, building projects?

A: The three items you list are all important, but I have two main priorities: academics and fundraising — in that order. Fundraising allows us to continually improve our academic offerings, recognize excellence in scholarship and teaching by faculty, and identify opportunities to be innovative in our curriculum. With a focus on academics, you never lose sight of the student.

A: Not yet, but I am sure it is around the corner. Right now, people want to get to know me and I them. If I sense a backing off, I will just have to make sure I drape myself in a "cloak of approachability" so people will always feel comfortable with me whether I am asking for money or simply having a conversation with them.

Q: Your degrees in psychology are sure to come in handy while managing academic egos and people with tenure. But wouldn't a law degree be useful these days given the problems and complexities of universities?

A: Having a degree in psychology, especially social psychology, does come in handy when dealing with attitudes and behaviors of others. Since I have done work in the legal realm and studied decisionmaking theory with Irv Janis at Yale University, I think I am ready for just about anything!

Q: Have you ever been so hacked off about a TV show that you fired off a letter like the one the president of Hampton University sent to BET CEO Debra Lee [about "The Quad"]?

A: I wish I had time to watch a TV show! So, no, I have not. However, if I find something objectionable or a mischaracterization of what I know and believe about Hamline University, then yes, I would speak out.

A: They were probably tired of having to come up with a name for another baby — I am from a family of seven children and am near the bottom of the pack. I have a sister named Darlise. I think Fayneese is a cool name. A student of mine had twin girls in the mid-80s, and used Fayneese for one's middle name. I was honored that she thought so highly of me to give her daughter a name she would have to explain all her life!