At the end of the first semester of his 10th year at the University, President Michael Adams said he has a “renewed appreciation” for the school.

“I think it’s been my best year ever here,” Adams said in a telephone interview Nov. 30.

He said one of this year’s highlights occurred when two University students were named Rhodes Scholars. Senior Deep Shah and graduate Katherine Vyborny were among 2008′s 85 Rhodes Scholars.

The University was the only public university in the U.S. with two Rhodes Scholars.

“They are representative of the quality of students here,” Adams said.

He said, after spending more time on campus this semester, that “99 percent of students are doing exactly what they should be doing.”

During his tenure, Adams has faced criticism from alumni, professors and students for his dealings with the Athletic Association and his leadership style.

Adams experienced strong criticism after his decision not to renew former Athletic Director Vince Dooley’s contract beyond 2004.

But, Adams said, he feels confident in his relationships with those involved at the University.

“You sometimes have to make hard decisions,” Adams said. “I feel really good right now with my relations with both the students and the faculty.”

Looking to the future, Adams said he plans to “continue to help the undergraduate experience.”

He said the University plans to add additional study abroad sites in the next four or five years.

In academics, Adams said he is pleased with the implementations of most of the task force on student learning’s recommendations. He said undergraduate research is improving and looks forward to continuations of it.

Adams also addressed the graduate schools.

“We are trying to increase support for grad schools.”

Adams said the University needs to build on its fundraising successes.

“This is an area where we are deficient relative to the competition,” Adams said.