Change is hard, and making even positive changes won’t always make friends. It’s good that Linda Warner recognizes that fact as she begins her job as the new president of Haskell Indian Nations University.

Although she was formally inaugurated just last week, Warner has been on the job for about six months and already has initiated some changes and come up with more ideas to move the American Indian university forward. She has completed an evaluation of the school’s strengths and weaknesses and is heading in some new and positive directions.

She would like to add a fifth baccalaureate degree in public health and start online programs but she also is addressing nonacademic issues. At the top of that list are programs to promote healthy lifestyles on campus. The new Jim Thorpe Fitness Center opened last weekend and the campus food service is making some health-oriented changes, such as taking regular sodas off the menu.

As we said, Warner isn’t trying to win a popularity contest.

Some measures, however, should earn the applause of the Haskell board and the school’s alumni and friends. Because Haskell is dependent on federal funds, it often faces financial challenges. There are two ways to address that issue: do more with what you have or find more money to do what you want to do. Warner apparently plans to pursue both strategies. She already is poking into the corners of Haskell to find untapped resources; it’s a “stewardship issue,” she said.

Once Haskell shows it can be a good steward of what it already has, it will be in a stronger position to ask for additional resources to move the school forward. Warner wisely sees great possibilities in tapping Haskell’s alumni for additional support. Haskell holds a special place in the hearts of American Indians and, especially with the many successful tribal casinos operating around the country, the school should be seen as a good investment for the future.

Haskell also should be a special place for Lawrence residents. We should not forget the school’s controversial past, but it is more productive to focus on Haskell’s future potential as a cultural and educational resource. The strong vision being set by Haskell’s new president is a great step toward realizing more of that potential.