It is a shame that a college president does not have the same privilege a college professor receives — a lifetime contract under which termination occurs only in extreme circumstances.
College presidents should figure out how to be tenured as administrators. Forget the faculty privilege, go for the lifeline of many a college professor. Once you are tenured, life is an oyster. The founding fathers probably would stand in awe at this example of unfettered speech, splattered over the landscape without fear of retribution unless someone outside intrudes.
But such is not the case for the lowly college president who must succumb to a periodic review with continued employment in the balance.
What a novel approach — accountability.
The University of Tennessee is preparing to launch its fourth search in the past 10 years for a president. One consolation is that at least the soon-to-be-leaving John Petersen will have amassed more years in the position than the previous two combined.
If the typical script is followed, a high-priced search firm will be hired, candidates will be screened and another occupant in an uncomfortable Orange post will be selected.
It is time to break the mold for the leader of the University of Tennessee and perhaps for the leadership of higher education in Tennessee. More on the second point in a later column.
Let’s assume for the moment that the political will does not exist for a massive overhaul of higher education. In that case, as the job description is being developed for the next UT president and the search committee formed, the governor and the UT board of trustees should consider some changes.
First, put together a screening panel that does not mirror the academic world. Sure, you need students, faculty, alums, but why not more? Consider having a business executive or two who know how to run a multimillion-dollar enterprise and who have looked at downsizing, realignment of resources, and pay for performance. Break up the fraternity that feeds on itself and casts out all who disagree with the status quo. Put on the panel people who went to Board of Regents schools, an Ivy League school, an out-of-state college system. Have a little “we-have-always-done-it-this-way” thinking, but wash out the “UT-would-do-it-this-way” mentality. If not, the governor and the board of trustees should be prepared to conduct another search in a few years. The outcome is predictable.
Traditions and historic context have a place in institutions of higher education, in business, in life. But any business or institution or person can become bogged down by the anchors of the past and those who refuse to move ahead.
And those who spend their time tossing rocks and hiding behind lifetime employment need to spend a little time listening to the early overtures on the type of system that the University of Tennessee should be.
For those in Chattanooga, there may be a longing for the days of hanging on to blue and gold and being able to find the word “Chattanooga” somewhere in the clutter of orange and white and big UT.
The shadow of a previous president may be lurking in the weeds. His system model may emerge once more and with more force.
In short, the main Knoxville campus and the medical facilities in Memphis are the core. The satellites in Chattanooga and Martin fend for themselves.
This move might shake the cobwebs off of some who spend their time tilting at mindless windmills. But that may be asking for too much.
To reach Tom Griscom, call (423) 757-6472 or e-mail tgriscom@timesfreepress.com.
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