Nov. 21, 2002 Online Since 1996 Vol 77 No. 23
Student walks in chancellor’s shoes

Carrie Baker
Chancellor Beat

Chris Hill | The Appalachian
Corey N. Hibbetts, a sophomore music industries major
sat in for Chancellor Borkowski Tuesday. Hibbetts attended meetings and spoke with vice chancellors all day.


Peter Larkins | The Appalachian
Chancellor Borkowski serves Melissa L. Kirkman, a freshman elementary education major, food at McAlister’s Deli. Borkowski worked at the deli in place of Corey N. Hibbetts, who was chancellor for the day..


Peter Larkins | The Appalachian
Chancellor Borkowski (l) resumes his life Tuesday evening.
     The administration handed over the reigns to sophomore music industries major Corey N. Hibbetts while Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski handed out sandwiches in McAlister’s Deli Tuesday.
    The switch took place as part of the Appalachian Ambassadors sponsored “Chancellor for a Day.”
    Hibbetts said he was very surprised when he was selected as the winner from a drawing after donating four canned food items in Trivette Hall to the Appalachian Ambassadors food drive Sept. 30-Oct. 4 for the Hunger Coalition.
    Borkowski and Hibbetts exchanged backpack and briefcase at Crossroads Coffee House in W.H. Plemmons Student Union and walked in each other’s shoes for the next six hours.
    Hibbetts held a schedule full of meetings with the vice chancellors, checking Borkowski’s mail and eating lunch at Broyhill Inn and Conference Center.
    “I didn’t know what to expect coming in,” said Hibbetts.
    Hibbetts described his day as chancellor as “fun.” He said the most interesting part of his day was learning about construction projects and the fiscal budget crisis from Dr. Gregory S. Blimling vice chancellor for student development, Robert L. Shaffer, associate vice chancellor for public affairs, Dr. Harvey R. Durham provost and executive vice chancellor, and Jane P. Helm, vice chancellor for business affairs.
    “Every single person had something to say about the budget crisis,” said Hibbetts. “You could see the effects in every area.”
    Borkowski spent his day as a student attending Chemistry II, a geography class and Introduction to Music, as well as running sandwiches at McAlister’s Deli.
    “I learned that three classes during a day makes for a very full schedule,” said Borkowski. “We ought to get a regulation passed only allowing two classes a day,” said Borkowski.
    Borkowski noted that Chemistry II was a “humbling experience.”
    “I know absolutely nothing about Chemistry II,” he said.
    Borkowski said he was impressed with how organized McAlister’s is.
   “It is run very, very well,” he said.
    Borkowski said he did well for the first day on the job and “did not mess anything up” while running food to customers but did have “a tough time” not eating the food while working.
    Hibbetts said he thought Borkowski’s involvement with students is notable.
    “I think it’s really good that he will go back to our level,” said Hibbetts. “There’s probably not one student that hasn’t seen him somewhere on campus at some point.”
    Hibbetts said he hoped Borkowski enjoyed his day as a student.
    “I know he was nervous going into chemistry class, so now he can see what I feel like every day,” said Hibbetts.
    Hibbetts said he only regretted that all of his classes had exams last week and not this week.
    During the closing ceremonies in Crossroads Coffee House, the Ambassadors announced the top donors during the canned food drive. The Student Association for Social Workers, Alpha Phi sorority, Black and Gold Elite Dancers, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, Circle K International and Freshman Seminar Program were named.
    Advisor for the Appalachian Ambassadors Patrick K. Setzer said this is the sixth year for the program.
    “Our main focus is the service project,” said Setzer.
    Borkowski is “pretty open to anything that is in a student’s schedule,” Setzer said.
    Setzer said Borkowski has served hotdogs in Cascades, practiced with the Steely Pan Band and rappelled down Broome Kirk Gymnasium in past years. 		 
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