Qualifications:

(My complete CV is online at:
http://protocols.netlab.uky.edu/~calvert/fullcv.pdf)

I have some strengths and some weaknesses, but it's hard for me to say
which characteristics are most important for the job, since I've never
done it.  I tend to get along pretty well with people. In group
situations I prefer to give everyone a chance to speak, hear from all
sides and try to build consensus.  I value honesty as well as
excellence.  If I were Chair I would certainly seek, value, and rely
on advice from colleagues.  My lack of experience in positions of this
type is an obvious weakness.  I have a perfectionist streak that gets
in my way sometimes.  I generally postpone making decisions as long as
possible in order to maximize the amount of information available;
sometimes I wait too long and miss opportunities.

My View of the Job:

The Chair's job is to represent and promote the department, both on
and off campus; to help faculty succeed by establishing and overseeing
appropriate policies and supporting infrastructure; and to provide
leadership in setting direction for the department.  Through his or
her administrative responsibilities -- especially overseeing hiring,
promotions and tenure, and merit evaluation of faculty and staff --
the Chair sets the standards for the department in all areas.

Regarding the Direction of the Department:

I believe Dr. Truszczynski has done an excellent job and his shoes
will be difficult to fill.  Nevertheless we face several ongoing
challenges of mainly external origin and it is important that we take
steps to address them in the long run.  The quantity and quality of
applicants to our program is, in my view, the most pressing concern at
this moment.  Along with that comes the question of the future of
Computer Science as a discipline -- we all know it is not going away,
but it seems clear that changes are afoot.  Regardless of who becomes
Chair, I hope we as a department can develop a plan to increase our
visibility, distinguish ourselves from the competition, and be viewed
as a leader in our evolving field.