Faculty Story on Roger Taylor (Short Feature Story #1)

“I’d give him an A,” said Dean of Knox College and Vice President of Academic Affairs Larry Breitborde grading Roger Taylor’s presidency. Knox’s faculty overwhelmingly agrees that Taylor has improved the college’s standing.

Chancie Ferris Booth professor of political science, Lane Sunderland, believes that Taylor was a dynamic president. “Energy in the executive is the leading character in the definition of good government,” said Sunderland referencing Federalist No. 70 since his main area of study is constitutional law.

Improving Knox’s standing was part of Taylor’s energy in the executive. “We’ve seen our financial picture improve dramatically and we are now in a position where we are securing our endowment without drawing out of it,” Sunderland said. Knox at the time needed an engaged leader that would fundraise to increase the endowment.

Charles W. and Arvilla S. Timme professor of economics Roy Andersen had very similar thoughts about Taylor. "He came in at a time of financial instability,” said Andersen, “this is not a rich school, we’re relatively poor.” He like Sunderland believes that Taylor helped the college to substantially increase the capital of the college.

However, Andersen believes that Taylor was not the only person who helped. Andersen referenced to the dedicated staff that contributed to Taylor’s efforts. "Roger came in and he was blessed with a very good dean and an outstanding C.F.O. so that helped him a lot," Andersen said. Yet, Taylor’s personality was overall a pivotal factor in guiding the staff to improve the college.

Taylor’s friendliness made him a successful president. "Most of all, I guess I’ll remember him for his pleasantness, his love of the college, his love of the students and that, I think, helped him," said Andersen.

Sunderland also pointed out Taylor’s personality as a positive factor. . “[Anne and Roger Taylor] do a multitude of acts of kindness to people,” Sunderland said.

Dean of Knox College, Larry Breaitborde, believes that Taylor deserves a lot of praising. Taylor, as an alumnus of the college, established his own authority. “He had a certain knowledge of the college … the fact that he was an alumnus of the college was huge given the financial fragility of the college at the time,” Breitborde said. Taylor’s personal career achievements boosted the college’s standing

Taylor’s involvement in the prestigious Kirkland & Ellis law firm showed prospective students that Knox College can make successful individuals. “For him to say ‘Knox did that for me,’” Breitborde believes this showed the positive impact that Knox can have on individuals.

However, Knox still needs improvement. “It would have been nice to make more progress on some issues … He could’ve raised even more money,” Breitborde said. Even though Taylor almost doubled the college’s endowment from $40 million to $81 million, the college still needs more resources.

Lane Sunderland agrees. “Salaries need to be increased to keep us competitive with other institutions we are compared to,” said Sunderland. Once salaries are increased then Knox will be able to overcome the other colleges more attractive benefits for qualified faculty.

Roy Andersen believes that having a higher endowment will ultimately benefit the college. “Our endowment isn’t big enough and that really underlies a lot of things,” said Breitborde.

Dr. Teresa Amott is viewed favorably. Money is a problem at Knox College but faculty believes that she will raise more money for the college. “One of the things she’ll do is strategic planning,” said Sunderland. Taylor had to act quickly in order to financially rescue the college but Sunderland believes that Dr. Amott has plenty of time to plan more fundraisings.

Breitborde sees Dr. Teresa Amott as a perfect fit for Knox. “She has a very strong record of academic leadership,” said Breitborde, “but she has also been involved in institutional fundraising.” Like Andersen and Sunderland, Breitborde also believes that more money is necessary to make Knox College and Dr. Amott will aid that effort.

Overall, faculty agrees that Taylor accomplished a lot for Knox College. “There is no question his presidency was a success,” said Sunderland. Sunderland referenced to the increase of enrollment and endowment all due to his personality and career.

Taylor’s profession as a lawyer benefited the presidency. “It’s just a mindset that you want to move forward,” said Sunderland. According to Sunderland, Taylor’s law mindset encouraged him to tackle down newer issues rather than outdated conflicts that the college had before he took office.

Breitborde talked about Taylor’s legacy. “He’s gonna get his own chapter,” said Breitborde, “Roger was the perfect person at the perfect moment.”