Leitch, Vernon

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:6840#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Vernon Leitch grew up in Underwood, Minnesota. He attended Moorhead State University in Moorhead, Minnesota, earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics and social studies. He then received a master's degree from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and his doctorate in Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Leitch taught at Barrett High School in Minnesota for three years, and then in Hibbing, Minnesota for two years in the late 1960s. In 1969, Leitch was appointed as professor of mathematics at St. Cloud State. He became involved in the Faculty Association and Inter-Faculty Organization (IFO). He worked to help the IFO-MEA (Minnesota Education Association) achieve victory in the early 1970s at St. Cloud State, serving as its president for a couple of years. He also served as President of the IFO Board, from which he resigned in 1980. He was still active at the time of this interview as a member of the IFO’s Executive Council.

Transcript Summary: Leitch described his college education and early involvement in working with the IFO. He stated that he was a member of teaching unions while he taught high school, but was not active. He discussed why he became involved with the IFO, explaining the reason for pursuing a connection with the MEA and how people's opinions of that connection changed. Leitch described the work he with publicity about the IFO-MEA, claiming that it took a great deal of time, work, and effort. In addition, Leitch expressed his thoughts on what made the campaign a success.

Leitch chronicled his involvement with the IFO-MEA after the successful campaign. He served as President for a few years and described the goals he tried to accomplish while in that position. He claimed that being the first president was difficult. Leitch felt that since every decision that was made could set a precedent, resulting in a very cautious and somewhat conservative approach. He also discussed the MEA and their involvement in collective bargaining at SCSU after the election.

Leitch discussed what he believes to be the successes of the IFO-MEA, along with some concerns he has for the future. He felt that after the victory, there was much less complaining about difference in salaries. However, he stated that the IFO-MEA has not been as involved in campus policy-making as he would have liked. Leitch was optimistic about the future of collective bargaining, as long as faculty stay involved, and not leaving the responsibility to a handful of individuals.