At a reception held at the Frist Campus Center yesterday afternoon, students and faculty expressed their approval of the trustees' selection of molecular biology professor Shirley Tilghman as the next president of the University.
Politics professor Amy Gutmann, a finalist in Harvard's presidential search, praised the decision in glowing terms.
"Shirley Tilghman is the absolutely ideal choice," Gutmann said. "She combines in one wonderful person all the qualities that Princeton and higher education need now. I think she'll be one of the truly great university presidents."
"Many adjectives spring to mind when I think of Shirley — wise and witty, judicious and generous, insightful and broad-minded are just a few," Gutmann continued. "Serving with her on University committees is a sheer pleasure. She guarantees that they will produce fine results because her academic judgment is impeccable and her patience appears inexhaustible."
Molecular biology chair Thomas Shenk agreed. "Shirley Tilghman is a natural leader who deeply cares about education," he said. "She is a superb choice to lead Princeton."
"I'm really excited," USG president Joe Kochan '02 said. "I've gotten messages from people all over campus praising the decision." Kochan added he has not received a single negative e-mail in response to Tilghman's designation. "I think that reflects well on the process," he noted.
Astrophysics professor Neta Bachall, who took over the leadership of the interdisciplinary Council on Science and Technology after Tilghman stepped down last year, echoed Shenk's sentiments. "I'm just so elated," he said. "It's such a wonderful thing for Princeton."
History professor Sean Wilentz pointed out that Tilghman is also highly regarded by professors outside her field.
"Shirley Tilghman has long held the admiration of the rest of the faculty, including those of us who are in the humanities and social sciences," Wilentz said. "It's like watching a trusted and favorite member of the family take charge."
Tilghman's research has centered on developmental genetics. Because her work raises several important ethical questions, she shares an interest in bioethics with outgoing President Shapiro.
Bioethics professor Peter Singer, who has worked with Tilghman to arrange bioethics lectures, shed some light on her personal qualities.
"I know that as well as being a scientist at the very top of her field, she has a keen interest in the ethical and social issues that science raises," Singer explained. "She's also a very relaxed and easy person to get along with — working with her on the lectures was a pleasure . . . So I think she is going to make a great president, and Princeton can look towards the future under her leadership with tremendous confidence."
Diane Nuttall '02, a molecular biology major, lined up Tilghman as her thesis adviser before the presidential search concluded.
"Professor Tilghman had a lot going on even before being chosen as president," Nuttall said, "but she always gives me her total and undivided attention when we meet to talk about my thesis."
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