This surely is a step up in the world of academic administration, being a bigger and more highly rated institution. However, it is also true that if the financial and ideological situation around here weren't quite so poisoned, he might not have been as ready to accept the nomination.
However, it just wouldn't bother me much to see him go. How about you?
Here is the text of his announcement:
Date: October 10, 2005
To: Members of the UW Oshkosh Community and Friends:
The California State University system office will announce later today that I have agreed to be a finalist for the Presidency of California State University Long Beach. I want to assure you that I am very proud to be your Chancellor, however, this is an excellent opportunity that requires careful consideration. I was nominated for this position, and it is the only Presidency I have agreed to consider. If it were not for the outstanding reputation of our UW Oshkosh academic community, the UW System and the State of Wisconsin, my family and I would not be in the position to consider this opportunity. We greatly appreciate the support of the people of Oshkosh and are enjoying the State of Wisconsin more than any place we have had the pleasure to live. Consequently, if an offer is extended, we will be facing a difficult decision.
Chancellor Charles Reed and the California State University Board of Trustees expect to conclude the search on or before November 1. I regret any distraction this situation may cause for our academic community, and I intend to continue, with your help, to stay fully focused on moving forward the priorities of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.
Richard H. Wells
Chancellor
2 comments:
“However, it is also true that if the financial and ideological situation around here weren't quite so poisoned”
I understand the financial situation, what do you mean by ideological? If you mean right wing, I understand. If you mean the cultural and academic atmosphere here at UWO is like a seminary, I understand. But I do not understand what you mean by, the statement ” ideological” atmosphere is poisoned.
The distrust and dislike of the university system is endemic here in Wisconsin. The legislature is convinced that the system is some sort of parasite. The local paper suggests the professors are similar to Jeffrey Dahmer.
I imagine that politics in California are better than those here. They have a Democratic assembly and a moderate Republican governor. They have also a post-industrial economy, based in high-tech and other knowledge-dependent disciplines. Although they have their share of financial problems, the rhetoric of disgust spewed at the university which seems to dominate Wisconsin surely is not as bad out West!
I am not sure why UWO is like a seminary, but it seems like an interesting observation to think about. . .
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