I find it fascinating--and distressing--that in some circles the discussion of our presidential search has been reduced to the kind of horse race coverage that we see with political campaigns--pro- or anti-Thrasher--rather than really asking, who is the most qualified candidate to lead this institution given our ambitious academic goals? As I've been saying all along, we need to compare the criteria set forth by the search committee to the records of each candidate, and we clearly see some large differences. But some are saying it's just those liberal professors and their students who oppose a political candidate[
1] without really listening to our concerns (which is especially disconcerting when they sit on the PSAC and have been addressed multiple times). So, even though we already had a petition in June with 1400 names asking for a fair and transparent search, I wanted to be sure it wasn't just a few liberal professors and a few radical students (who, btw, the faculty have not coached or recruited to speak--I find that charge offensive considering university students are adults who know what they need in an academic institution) who are looking for an experienced academic leader. With encouragement from several of our members, UFF-FSU launched a new petition--
http://uff-fsu.org/2014-president-search/--yesterday at 11am. It is now less than 24 hours later and we more than 600 signatures. That's much more than just a few noisy students and faculty members. And please note the number of alumni who are signing this petition, for they know the reputation of the university is at stake here as well.
The interviews begin today. John Thrasher meets with staff, faculty, students, and community members today, Michele Wheatly does so tomorrow, Michael Martin does so Wednesday, and Richard Marchase does so Friday. Please see
presidentialsearch.fsu.edu for the full schedule. These interviews will
NOT be webcast, so if you can, please participate. If you are a faculty member who cannot attend interviews at the time the faculty forums are scheduled, I encourage you to attend one (or more) of the other forums. An online feedback form will be available the morning of each interview. Feedback is due Friday, September 19 at 11:00 p.m.
We all care deeply about this institution and want what is best to move it forward.[
2] It can't be stressed enough that an academic leader who has taught, conducted research, has national and international connections, and raised funds from multiple sources will help us achieve our top 25 goal. If the Legislature really cares about higher education in Florida, funds for higher education should not be based on how well the president can lobby but rather how can we make Florida thrive.
