Penguins are amazing. They’re agile and have excellent problem-solving skills. They’re active communicators, even using verbal and nonverbal cues in their conversations. And when dangerous winds blow that could divide their group, they take turns sheltering each other from the peril.

No wonder Youngstown State University — where I’m about to start a new job as president — long ago adopted the penguin as its mascot.

I spent over 26 years serving our country in the Air Force, nearly a decade as a successful small business owner and another 13 years in Congress. Whether it’s defending America from adversaries, creating good-paying jobs or making policy to help Americans thrive, my experience as a leader has taught me that different viewpoints often bring controversy. You might have read about some of these disagreements already.

Like any leader, I have some critics. Some don’t like my political party. That’s OK. I’m red, and they’re blue. But when I leave Congress, I’ll be ditching the world of red and blue and embracing the YSU community of (cardinal) red and white.

Other critics have raised concerns about the process that resulted in my selection. While I didn’t design that process, I can say this: the outstanding people who put the search together love YSU and the Mahoning Valley. And they worked hard to find the president they believe can lead us into the future.

Their process involved the perspectives of hundreds of people, and the interviews were conducted by staff, students, alumni, the YSU Foundation and the past and incoming leaders of the YSU Academic Senate, which acts as the voice of the faculty. It was a thorough, diverse process.

It was a confidential search — not a closed or secret search — and more than 20 campus constituents were included. This type of search is a best practice in higher education, since many compelling candidates simply won’t participate in a search that will identify them publicly.

But here’s the good news — like a penguin, I’m resilient. I welcome differing views and diverse opinions. And I’ve already started. Since the day I was appointed, I’ve been meeting with key people on and off campus — and will continue to do so. And, while I’m happy to answer questions, I’ve mostly been listening.

In the dozens of meetings and calls I’ve already had with those in the YSU community, I’m hearing a lot of support. Despite some of the social media chatter, people have been very kind and welcoming. Here’s what most people want: to move forward. A few people always will look backward, but my strongest gear is always forward. So let me tell you what’s in the road ahead for this great university.

Transparency matters. I’m committed to it. I’ll organize an effort to collect and implement the best recommendations for how to build more accountability and trust. Every institution and every leader can always do better.

While earning my graduate degree at Georgia Tech (a state university with many similarities to YSU), I learned to love math. And the equation for penguin success is clear — while others divide and subtract, I’ll work to add and multiply. That means listening to diverse perspectives and including those who aren’t always heard.

As the new president, my only campaign will be advancing our students and our world-changing teaching and research. I’ll vote for them every day. And the only things I’ll veto are bullying, threats and name-calling meant to pull us apart. I’m committed to an inclusive and respectful environment at the university regardless of politics, religion or personal affiliations. Our aim should be to always engage in respectful dialogue. From small group meetings to our classrooms to conversations around the table at Kilcawley, passionate discourse brings clarity of thought and underscores the humanity of all. Strong opinions and disagreements are fine; that’s the spirit that founded America.

I didn’t come looking for this job, but I’m inspired, humbled and honored to have it. My efforts as a national leader allowed me to help improve the lives of 330 million Americans. While my work leading Youngstown State has a more narrow focus, I find it just as important. Most students will achieve their higher education at only one place and, to them, it’s the most important university in the world. Along with alumni, faculty, staff and trustees, these students are my new constituency.

In the weeks to come, I’ll begin leading this university, and I’m excited about working together to build an even greater community. I know the people I speak with want what’s best for YSU and simply want to know that I will work very hard with them to advance that vision. That challenge enlivens me. You see, I was born poor and lived on a farm with no indoor plumbing, central air and heat or running water, so I’m accustomed to hard work.

My commitment is simple: I’m going to lead in a transparent way. I’m going to listen. And I’m going to build consensus to move Youngstown State forward. We might not always see eye to eye, but like penguins working together, I’ll work to ensure that we’re all looking in the same direction.

U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson was hired last month to serve as the 10th president of Youngstown State University. His term is scheduled to begin in March.