Anyone have thoughts on president nominees for MSU? Since the previous search was successful, but Dr. Cofer had such a short run, there seem to be many questions but few answers. Issues of the search process, why the governors didn't seem to take the opinions of faculty (they preferred a candidate from Rutgers, I believe), Dr. Cofer's brief tenure, the accounting issues, and many others. So, what are the priorities for MSU moving forward in terms of a candidate? Should the governors focus on finding a candidate with a lot of fundraising experience? More academic experience? Finance/administration background? It's very difficult to find one with all of these experiences. Here's my wish list: 1. Academic with a terminal degree - NOT a business candidate like MU just selected. 2. Willing to submit to an open process - NOT like MU's process and so many others. We need an open process that brings all stakeholders to the table, including alumni. 3. Experience at the Provost/VP Academic Affairs level. Just as important as a terminal degree is understanding of the faculty and their perspectives. I don't always agree with the faculty but they are the most important non-student voice. 4. Fundraising experience. Candidate should have experience soliciting 6 and 7-figure gifts. 5. State house experience. Candidate should be very familiar with the legislature and legislative processes, and be a strong advocate for all (that is, the entire state's) higher education institutions and the system. What say you, Bear Nation? Who would be good candidates?
I'm surprised at no responses, considering the importance of the position and the significant continuing budget cuts in the state. Surely there are some nominations or interested parties? Name your "dream" candidates here!
I want someone from or who is very familar with the area. SW MO is IMO a unique area and a outsider does not realize the diferences here compared to, oh say the east coast. I very happy with Clif Smart, III
Certainly I think Mr. Smart should be a candidate, but he does not necessarily meet the above criteria. The JD is not a terminal degree, and I don't see experience at the VP Academic Affairs/Provost level. I know not all presidents have to be faculty in a former life, but he's missing some things that most academics would feel are very important. If we want to be competitive with other institutions, we have to attract and retain the very best talent in Springfield; a current president would be a reasonable choice, as well, of a place that's very student-focused and connected to the institution's broader community. We'll see how the Board does.
We have went the academic route before, the last one tried to chase off all of the universities donors. Smart has more experience than an VP as he has been acting president for almost a year. I find it funny that current faculty and staff use the Judicatory Doctorate as a reason for to demean him. Smart has always been a straight shooter when I have spoke with him. To me that is worth more than a deep understanding of educational practices.
Smart is doing a good job IMO. The academic part doesn't impress me, we need a strong business minded person running the university who runs it like a business and gets results. Running it like a true business, means we would get top notch acadmeic personal to run the different colleges.
I'm not close enough to MSU to make a good determination as to how Mr. Smart is doing. I can say that the university is not a business. It collects and spends money, but it is a nonprofit organization. Not all decisions can be made just because of money. If we made all academic decisions based on profit/loss, we wouldn't have a nontrivial portion of the university's offerings. It's not incredibly cost-effective to offer 1-1 music lessons or small art classes. But the university does it because it is important and it's part of a university education. If you start making decisions solely on profit/loss, the university and its quality will suffer greatly. That is not an outcome that any loyal alumni would want.
The search process is now underway, according to an e-mail I just received from the university. See http://news.missouristate.edu/2012/03/08/presidentialsearch/. I hereby donate my services as alumni rep to the committee!
