The Interview: Up Close with John Nader, College President, Optimist & Aspiring Pip

With his shirt sleeves rolled up, John Nader appears happily at home at Farmingdale State College, where he became the school’s ninth president in March of last year.

Approachable and personable, he brings a warmth and humanity to his large job by focusing keenly on the task at hand. In a former life, Nader was the mayor of the City of Oneonta, and that background in politics suits him well today, as he meets and greets dignitaries, staff and students with equitable respect.  As he works a room, he seems propelled by a combination of positive energy, humor and perhaps a splash too much java. One thing’s for certain: Nader is who he is — pure and simple authenticity, right down to the bone.

FMC: What is your greatest accomplishment?

JN: My children.

FMC: What mistake did you make that turned out to be your best learning experience?

JN: On a career level, I once took a job as a bank economist—because the money was good and I needed a job. It was terrible and I quickly learned to pursue my interests and passion. I knew it was a mistake when I accepted the job – so as President Obama said, “Don’t do stupid stuff.” On a personal level, well, there’s not enough time or space.

FMC: When you were five years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?

JN: I wanted to be a major league baseball player. My family was and remains deeply involved in amateur and professional baseball.

I have met people who seem to think college presidents are somehow different than other people. I don’t see myself as much different. Just more fortunate.

FMC: Why do you do what you do?

JN: Seriously? This is the best job anywhere!

FMC: What’s your guilty pleasure?

JN: Potato chips.

FMC: What gives you hope for the future?

JN: I am really very concerned about the state of the world today. My hope rests on knowing that, at least in the U.S., we have a recorded history of overcoming most of our worst decisions and tendencies. As I have said, I’m an optimist.

FMC: What’s your idea of happiness?

JN: I really have no idea. Happiness is not an idea. Generally, I am very happy and optimistic.

FMC: Coke or Pepsi?

JN: Coke. Really, Coke Zero.

FMC: Who’s the most influential person in your life?

JN: My father. No question.

FMC: Favorite restaurant?

JN: Saha Restaurant in San Francisco. Middle Eastern food.

FMC: Last book read?

JN: Beirut on the Bayou by Raif Shwayri

FMC: Where do you get your news?

JN: The New York Times, Newsday, NPR and Slate. I also read a number of periodicals. My favorite is The New York Review of Books.

FMC: What five people, living or dead, would you want to have dinner with?

JN: I don’t look forward to having dinner with dead people.

However, if I could, I’d include Eleanor Roosevelt, John Maynard Keynes, Merriweather Lewis, Harriet Tubman, Groucho Marx, perhaps Gandhi—though I’m not sure the other dinner guests would share his vegetarian tastes.

Frankly, I’d just as soon have dinner with my five closest living friends.

FMC: Favorite drink?

JN: Coffee, followed by more coffee.

FMC: What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?

JN: I really have no idea. I have met people who seem to think college presidents are somehow different than other people. I don’t see myself as much different. Just more fortunate.

FMC: Define leadership and tell us, who is your favorite leader and why?

JN: Leadership is not a term I like. It’s way overused. Here are some component elements: the skill to deeply analyze, the capacity to establish a vision or direction for positive change, the ability to get others to share that vision so that it can be implemented. So, Lincoln would be my choice.

FMC: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?

JN: A series of difficult personnel challenges. Some I’ve handle well. Others, I did not.

FMC: What’s your choice of super hero superpowers?

JN: The ability to manipulate time — or, to have a Tardis.

FMC: What’s your idea of success?

JN: A boat load of great friends.

FMC: What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?

JN: A few things: Think fast, talk slow. Be yourself, everyone else is already taken (Oscar Wilde). First who, then what (Jim Collins). Also, we need to respect the past. As William Faulkner said, “The past is not dead; it’s not even past.”

FMC: If you weren’t you, who would you want to be?

JN: I refer back to Oscar Wilde…

FMC: Fair enough. What’s your current state of mind?

JN: I’m uneasy. I don’t like answering questions about myself.

FMC: You’re doing fine. What’s the biggest challenge facing higher ed right now?

JN: The lack of public sector support for and understanding of the centrality of higher education to society. I am passionate about this issue.

FMC: What is your most treasured possession?

JN: I don’t think much about possessions and I don’t really like shopping unless it’s for food, books or music. I suppose I would say I treasure some furniture that belonged to my grandparents and my books.

FMC: Which talent would you most like to have?

JN: The ability to sing on stage – I would have made a great Pip, as in Gladys Knight and the Pips. If I had any talent, I would have been a great night club act.

FMC: What quality do you most like in a person?

JN: Authenticity.