The student radio station WXCI 91.7 FM has continued to interview more prominent figures this week bringing Interim President of Western Connecticut State University Dr. Paul Beran on air in their most recent interview. Host of the program “The Oval Office” and the Sports Director of WXCI, Evan Walker was joined by Dr. Beran for an hour-long interview to discuss recent problems and student concerns at the university.

The interview started by welcoming Dr. Beran to the WXCI studio, with the interview being his first visit. The two reviewed the Interim President’s career history before taking reins of the university, discussing problems he and the administration faced when he took office, and what he sees going forward as he continues in office. On this subject, Dr. Beran stressed recruiting and retaining students as his top priority.

The two also discussed the fact, reiterated by recent reports, that the university is mostly a commuter dominated campus in student demographics, yet many feel that the administration does not adequately support commuters. Beran mentioned noticing this when he took up the role of President, and vowed to enact change to support all students, commuter and resident, in and out of the classroom.

Another topic discussed was student involvement, with Beran stressing his desire to become a part of the community. Walker asked which was his favorite event since joining the campus community, bringing up an event where he read a Christmas story. Walker jokingly asked Beran if he sang at the event with Beran responding he did not, and singing is more his wife’s thing. Walker joked they’ll have to invite his wife to be on the air next time.

Walker and Dr. Beran also talked about the debate over the future of the Social Sciences department and majors, reflecting on the fight to retain majors from staff and students following his action to recommend their cancellation. Beran spoke in general terms about the negotiations with the departments, and what changes need to be made going forward, but spoke highly about his experience on the whole. A similar conversation emerged regarding the course “MATH 100: Intermediate Algebra” which official data shows many new students struggle with, causing retention difficulties across majors. While the Interim President could not announce any changes, he promised overhaul is being worked on between the administration and the mathematics department.

As per tradition with all interviews at WXCI, Walker asked President Beran about his favorite type of music. Beran immediately brought up Roy Rogers and referred to trips to see many bands and musicians, with Yo-Yo Ma and Willie Nelson being some he mentioned while bringing special attention to Linda Gale-Lewis whom he saw perform here in Danbury. Beran mentioned seeing Elton John on one of his first tours with special fondness. President Beran also brought up the many student-led bands, choirs, and theater shows over the years, saying how his “jaw dropped” seeing student-led shows here at Western, and praising the students of the Visual and Performing Arts Department.

Other topics discussed included Beran’s working relationship with the Student Government Association, his thoughts on the annual ACSA Fashion Show, working relationships with American Association of University Professors faculty union on campus, his own history as a teacher in higher education, his opinion on the emerging use of artificial intelligence for writing papers, and how would he like to be remembered at the university once his term is up.

Before leaving, Dr. Beran was given a DJ name, DJ Dr Paulie B, and was offered an invitation to return to The Oval Office at any time.

To listen to the interview, listeners can tune into WXCI’s program The Advocate for the replays. WXCI has also announced they will upload recordings to the radio station’s site wxci.org at a later date. WXCI 91.7 FM is Western Connecticut State University’s official campus radio station, broadcasting from Midtown Student Center daily, and a proud partner of the Echo.