Over the past two weeks, the Multicultural Student Center hosted student forums for the three candidates vying to become the University of Wisconsin's dean of students. The position has been held on an interim basis by Lori Berquam — who is one of the finalists — since July 2005, and Chancellor John Wiley and Provost Patrick Farrell are expected to choose a candidate by next week.

Though we have great confidence in Ms. Berquam after a year and a half of interim experience, we believe Brian Rose, currently the associate vice president for student affairs at Rutgers University, is the best candidate for the job.

Having participated in all three of the candidates' student-driven forums at the Red Gym, we were impressed by Mr. Rose's charismatic, approachable demeanor and analytical approach to problem solving. In response to questions on issues ranging from diversity to campus safety, Mr. Rose provided real examples of similar problems he helped solve during his 16 years at Rutgers — notably, his extensive work to expand accessibility for students with disabilities. We believe UW would benefit greatly with such a proactive, pragmatic administrator as dean of students.

Additionally, Mr. Rose's background makes him well-qualified to relate to students on a number of levels. As an honors undergrad at the University of Pennsylvania, he washed dishes as part of a work-study program and participated in the Greek system. He later earned his law degree from Georgetown — also with honors.

And, coming in as one of two outsider candidates, Mr. Rose really did his homework. He was up-to-date on campus issues and familiar with the events of the past few years — he hasn't taken UW's consideration lightly. In a forum otherwise full of what-ifs and future contingencies, he provided concrete answers based on real-world experience.

While we endorse Mr. Rose, we would also like to laud the efforts of Ms. Berquam over the past year and a half. After just two years as associate dean of students, Ms. Berquam took over the Offices of the Dean of Students and successfully served students through a major transition. Contrary to what some student leaders believe, she has handled the position well and wholeheartedly adds a caring and compassionate voice as one of UW's top personnel.

Though transplanting a high-level administrator to Madison would undoubtedly cause some transitional difficulties, Ms. Berquam has long advocated for UW hiring the candidate who will best serve students — and it seems Mr. Rose is just too good to pass up.