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Reflections on Passing the Torch:

An interview with AASCU President Deno Curris
by Stephen Pelletier

This past September, Constantine W. (Deno) Curris announced his plans to retire after nearly a decade as AASCU’s president. Curris was tapped to lead AASCU in October 1999. His tenure in Washington effectively serves as the capstone of a distinguished career in which he served as president of Murray State University (Ky.) for 10 years, as president of the University of Northern Iowa for 12 years, and as Clemson University’s (S.C.) president for the four years prior to his coming to AASCU.

Highly regarded across higher education and beyond, Curris is well known as a passionate advocate for such principles as student success and access to college and for his tireless commitment to bolstering institutional effectiveness. Under his leadership, AASCU continued to be a strong and vigilant advocate for state colleges and universities in Washington and across the country, and expanded efforts to ensure that AASCU institutions secure federal support for research and educational programs. From the tragedy of 9/11 to the turmoil of today’s recession, Curris has helped public higher education find ways to meet the challenges of the 21st century while being true to the sector’s fundamental values and commitment to the public trust.

Among many landmarks that distinguish the Curris era, AASCU mounted major initiatives designed to find new opportunities—as well as solutions to pressing problems—in such diverse areas as teacher education, accreditation and quality assurance, urban education, and collegiate Greek life. Work to advance the unique role of AASCU institutions in regional development and leadership resulted in the major reports Stepping Forward as Stewards of Place: A Guide for Leading Public Engagement at State Colleges and Universities (2002) and Tools and Insights for Universities Called to Regional Stewardship (2006). In mid-February, Curris took a few minutes to reflect on his work in an interview with Public Purpose.

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