Foothills Sentry Page 8 SEPTEMBER 2025 Past Chapman University president reflects on the institution’s transformation In a compelling new book, "Using Data Analytics to Drive Transformational Change," Chapman University President Emeritus Dr. Jim Doti provides a behindthe-scenes look at how the university transformed its academic standing, reputation and financial trajectory by focusing on datainformed decisions. Over the course of his 25-year presidency, 1991-2016, Doti challenged traditional institutional planning. His book opens with the statement, “Most strategic plans are a waste of time — a drain on precious resources.” He then proceeds to outline a replicable framework that prioritizes focus, measurable goals and economic analysis over wishful thinking. The book takes readers through five planning periods during which the university saw tremendous gains in student selectivity, academic reputation, graduation rates, faculty investment, building and land development, and net assets. “The first five years were critical,” Doti said.“Moving from open enrollment to a more selective admissions process — focused on SAT scores — became the foundation for growth over the next 20 years.” Key results include: • Raising the graduation rate from 37% to 75% • Elevating the U.S. News & World Report regional reputation ranking from #90 to #6 • Increasing net assets by more than 700%, far outpacing peer institutions • Investing in campus facilities with 1,102% increase in buildings and land • Creating a budget model that placed faculty salaries in the 95th percentile nationally While emphasizing “focus, focus, focus” on a central goal each planning period, the author admits to some contradiction: “Opportunities fall into your lap every now and then.” It was that contradiction that brought the Hilbert Museum of California Art and the Musco Center for the Arts to Chapman. The book ends with Doti reflecting on a conversation with his mentor, colleague and friend George Argyros. As they sipped wine and watched sailboats drift through Newport Bay, Doti recalled a phone call from 33 years earlier, when Argyros invited him to become Chapman’s next president. “I reminded George that he told me, ‘We’re going to build a great university,’” Doti writes. “Then I added, ‘You were right, George, we did build a great university.’” Published by Bloomsbury Academic, the book is available through major online retailers. Shiree and Kent Colton fold a flag Flag retirement box in Elks lobby Flag retirement at the Orange Elks Lodge Over the course of the year, the Orange Elks have several programs about the United States flag, including the June Flag Day program, Flags Over Orange and the flag lowering program at the Plaza. During the year, the lodge collects flags that need to be retired. Boy Scout Troop 1475 Eagle Scout, Matthew Miller, built a flag deposit box as part of his Eagle project. Several times a year, the lodge has a flag folding event. Each November, the old and tattered flags that have been collected are delivered to the Orange Coast’s District for the Flag Retirement Ceremony, where those flags are respectfully retired. A big thanks to Americanism Chairmen Chris Michaelis and the Americanism committee for putting on this event, but a special thanks to the volunteers for rolling up their sleeves. Out-going President Tani Stein, left, helps hold the banner for in-coming President Charla Harris. OPA Women’s League update We, the 2023–2025 Orange Park Acres Women’s League Board, are excited to announce that the new 2025–2027 OPAWL Board is officially stepping into their roles. Led by President Charla Harris, this dynamic team (to be introduced next month) already has plenty of fun and meaningful plans in the works— so stay tuned for upcoming announcements. The outgoing board reports it is thrilled to pass the reins, and is grateful to leave the League in the capable hands of Charla and her team, and looks forward to supporting them in every way we can. For information about membership and activities, see opawomen.org. OC Dems offer redistricting workshop The Central Orange County Democratic Club will host a “Redistricting Activism 101 Bootcamp.” at its Wednesday, Sept. 24 meeting. Attendees will learn about all the different ways they can volunteer to help pass redistricting in California, including canvassing, writing postcards, phone banking, dropping literature on porches, and more. RSVP is required to attend. Central OC Dems includes Tustin, Tustin Hills, Orange, Villa Park, and surrounding communities. Democrats from throughout Orange County are welcome to join. Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month in Tustin. Tustin Museum explores the Victorian death culture of Early OC By Guy Ball The Victorian Age and culture dates from about the 1840s to 1900 – just as early Orange County started its impressive growth. Fortunately, we can still see some majestic and unique Victorianstyle homes in communities like Orange, Tustin and Santa Ana. On Thursday, Sept. 25, join the discussion at the Tustin Area Museum’s monthly Night at the Museum event as historian, death scholar, and paranormal investigator Darcy Staniforth takes us on a journey to the other side of the veil through the lens of Victorian Death Culture. While modern Americans might shy away from talking about death, grief and loss, the Victorians were immersed in it. From the clothes and jewelry they wore, the way they decorated their houses, to picnicking among the dead, this talk touches on all of that. Darcy Staniforth is an academic, historian, writer, performer, ghost host and paranormal investigator. She has been interested in death and dying since she was very young, and that interest has carried into both her personal and professional life. Darcy holds a B.A. and a M.A. in American studies. In addition to death, dying and grief, her research areas include race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, ideals and institutions and the paranormal. In addition to supporting students in her work in higher education, she also serves as the paranormal coordinator for the Heritage Museum of Orange County and the Director of Tour Operations for Haunted Orange County. This Night at the Museum meeting will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Tustin Area Museum, 345 El Camino Real. Tickets are $20 per person, $15 for members. Due to the limited seating area, tickets are expected to sell out quickly. For more information and tickets visit TustinHistory.com or call the museum, (714) 731-5701. Register for flag football! The Vince Ferragamo Flag Football League, in conjunction with Santiago Canyon College, teaches the fundamentals for boys and girls in first through eighth grade, in a fun and confidencebuilding environment. Kids will learn about teamwork and sportsmanship from professionals. Practices are during the week, with games on Friday nights at Santiago Canyon College. For information, see ferragamoffl.com or call (714) 628-4960. Jim Doti Darcy Staniforth
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