There’s a man on campus who has served Saint Louis University since 1992. They call him the oracle. He breathed new life into the Student Government Association protocol and refined debate practices. He introduced the student activity fee and instituted dry rush for fraternities. He advised student organizations as diverse as KSLU, SGA and The University News. One of his most recent projects was the establishment of an online booking system, which will allow student groups can electronically reserve rooms in the Busch Student Center. He is truly one of the most efficient and well-loved administrative personalities at SLU.

That man is Phil Lyons. He has served the University community for 15 years, most recently as 1ssociate vice president of student development. By next Wednesday, he’ll be gone.

Phil is one of the University’s most influential figures. He has served as an archivist of student affairs, a living historian and a source of readily accessible advice-his absence will leave a void in the realm of student-administrative relations.

In spite of this, Phil will leave his position in less than a week. Then what? Will somebody else be hired to take his place in the foreseeable future?

And even if somebody else were hired, would he or she be able to communicate with students as Phil has? Could anybody fill the void?

For any potential candidate to hold a candle to what Phil has embodied and accomplished, they must uphold the following practices, which have defined his years of dedication to students as associate vice president. Higher-ups, take heed: This is what makes an administrator’s relationships with students effective:

1. Treat students as peers, not children.
2. Always keep office doors open.
3. Retain a sense of humor.
4. Remain efficient but approachable.
5. Incarnate the wisdom of a brother, father, grandfather and best friend.

And what should students do until an administrator worthy of Phil’s legacy can be hired, or in case one never is? We must work twice as hard to communicate with the SLU administration in the absence of a strong student advocate. Student organizations must form new, direct ties with administrators.
SGA must find a new moderator, and all other organizations, a new ear.

Why was Phil so effective at SLU? Was it his formal position or his personal character? The many students with whom he interacts will say character, hands down. His personality made him a necessary presence–one that will not easily be replaced.