The applications are in, and as suspected, several qualified candidates for the position of President of Florida State
University did in fact apply (see presidentialsearch.fsu.edu). I sure hope that
the search committee will carefully read and reflect upon the cover letters and
CVs of the candidates in relation to the
criteria listed in the presidential profile, not based on personal ties
and/or only presumed fundraising skills. As has been said consistently across campus
and by FSU alumni and supporters across the nation (as shown in our June petition
that yielded more than 1400 signatures), an open and transparent search is absolutely
necessary to restore any semblance of trust in the process. Indeed, it is still
said that the search is a sham—let’s show the nation that it’s not and choose
the MOST qualified academic for the
job. This is what is necessary to move the university forward into the top 25
and to keep up the positive morale that President Barron created with his
ability to communicate effectively with constituents across campus and beyond
and his understanding and appreciation of research and teaching excellence. Any other choice will be devastating not only
at home but in terms of national and international reputation.
I’m looking forward to the PSAC meeting scheduled
for Friday, September 5, from 10-2 in 108 Turnbull, and I encourage my
colleagues to attend this important meeting. The Committee now has a number of qualified candidates to choose from for initial interviews, despite the political maneuvering of
the PSAC leadership.
