In 1986, life was different around these parts: things were changing, too.
Wendy's had just opened a spot for its burgers in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center. The football stadium received new benches, while East Quad was re-named as the Richard Burkhardt building. Up towards the library, University Hall became Pruis Hall. Students knew semesters only as a change on the horizon and instead studied in quarters of 10 weeks. Comedian Red Skelton paid a visit to Emens Auditorium to add some laughs to the campus morale. All the while, the university was working on its 15-year plan that included a bell tower, a northern quad, more trees and a 12,000-seat arena.
Then-president John Worthen, who that arena would later be named for, was being criticized for hiring a special assistant and a secretary, instead of pushing forward plans for phone-in class registration.
That summer, Douglas McConkey became Ball State University's new executive director for enrollment and student services. "I will continue to build on what I perceive to be an already strong program," McConkey said.
Flash forward to 2005, where McConkey, now former vice president of student affairs, said, "In 1986, the university looked like it was going somewhere, and indeed it did."
Certainly, there have been some dramatic changes in those 19 years.
McConkey's dedication to the students and this university, however, has never changed.
Since news of McConkey's resignation broke in December, a flood of support has flown in McConkey's way, which only shows how truly treasured this man was in his time as a Cardinal.
To this day, we still question the reasons behind McConkey's resignation and the conditions which forced it to happen. We, as with many students, faculty and staff, are left wondering what the future holds for student affairs. Regardless, the unclear terms for McConkey's departure will not affect the loss this university will feel once he is gone.
McConkey says he plans to move back to Texas and, if possible, teach at the university level once again. Beyond that, he says, his future is uncertain.
We tend to disagree.
If one thing is certain for Douglas McConkey, it is that wherever he ends up, he will be treasured as a caring, motivated, dedicated and talented individual.
Some things never change.
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