5 questions with new UD president Eric Spina

University of Dayton President Eric Spina is settling into his new office.

We sat down for an interview with UD’s new president during his first full week on the job. He touched on his hopes to engage students and faculty and how he’s gone from bleeding orange at Syracuse to wearing red for the Flyers.

A full recap of the interview will be published in Sunday's Dayton Daily News and for subscribers on MyDaytonDailyNews.com.

1. It’s your first week. How are things so far?

“It’s been terrific throughout the past nine months, but certainly this week. People have been gracious, warm, supportive. I have feelings of humility, inspiration and joy. So, it’s exciting. I understand we haven’t gotten to the hard part of the job yet, but I think the level of support and the quality of people bodes well even when the chips are down.”

2. How has former president Dan Curran welcomed you?

“Obviously, I worked more closely with Dan, given that he’s been the current president. But an incoming president could not ask for a more gracious sitting president … and not forcing his views on me. When I had a question, he would tell me what he thought, but it wasn’t, ‘Eric, here’s the way we do it.’ ”

3. How about former president, Bro. Ray Fitz?

“Brother Ray, from my perspective, he wouldn’t like this, but he’s … an icon, or legend. He is a very, very special person to this institution and already to me. We’ve had some really good interactions.”

4. What are some of the first things you’ll be doing?

“We’re going to spend time across campus this next year doing strategic visioning — really listening to people and what their hopes and dreams are for the university and areas where we should invest to become an even greater university over the next 20 or 25 years.”

5. You came to UD from Syracuse. How’s your relationship with men’s basketball coach Archie Miller?

“I’ve got a good relationship with Archie. I met him sometime after my announcement. Right before the Syracuse game I tried to get the Syracuse game plan to him, but I couldn’t. (Syracuse head coach) Jim Boeheim wouldn’t give it to me.”

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