Who Should Lead

Unfortunately, the search for a new chancellor is already off to a rocky start with the BOT and admin heavy search committee determining to ignore the faculty senate resolution calling for a more open search process. Also unfortunate is the fact that there is no surprise as a result of this occurrence. Despite the fact that the head of the search firm hired to find the next chancellor has said that there is no indication that a closed search is any more likely to be successful than a more hybrid model, the search committee (with the exception of a small number of brave souls...I would currently place that number at 1) has decided to pour salt in the wounds Brady's administration created, rather than give any signal of an interest in healing.

There is a link available on the UNCG website to provide anonymous feedback and guidance to the search committee (http://chancellorsearch.wp.uncg.edu/feedback/ ) and I would encourage people to comment early and comment often. There is no excuse for the pretended ignorance and arrogant dismissal of what is best for those who work, live, and study at UNCG.

That being said, the UNCG chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has issued a list of Qualities to Look for in the Next Chancellor of UNCG and it reads as follows:

•   Supports, without reservation, the principles of academic freedom, tenure, and shared governance. 
•      Has substantial academic credentials, including a PhD, or terminal degree in his/her discipline.
•   Understands and appreciates the value of research, teaching, and intellectual labor.
  
•   Understands the central role faculty members play in the university’s mission.
  
•   Understands and appreciates UNCG’s distinctive history and commitments to access
  and diversity.
  
•   Thinks creatively, critically, and independently.
  
•   Listens carefully and considers oppositional viewpoints and criticism.
  
•   Exercises integrity in decision-making and communication.
  
•   Tells the unvarnished truth with compassion and dignity.
  
•   Articulates situations, problems, and concerns clearly and transparently.
  
•   Makes decisions on the strength of the evidence, rather than trends, popularity,
  conventional wisdom, political pressure, or personal investments.
  
•   Articulates reasons for decisions in thoughtful, clear, and accurate language; avoids
  corporate jargon.
  
•   Leads by example.
  
•   Has the courage to correct and contravene misinformed executive boards, donors,
  and politicians.
  
•   Has successfully navigated a leadership post at a mid-sized or larger research
  university.
  
•   Is sensitive to the distinctive challenges of UNCG’s students.
  
•   Accepts accountability to UNCG’s students, staff, and faculty, and to NC taxpayers for
  prudent fiscal management.
  
•   Engages with diverse communities with respect and transparency.
  
•   Thinks beyond current trends to consider long-term ramifications of policy
  decisions.
  
•   Always bears in mind the academic purpose of the university.
  
•   Successfully communicates UNCG’s academic purpose to governing boards, alumni,
  students, faculty, and NC citizens.
  
•   Gives priority to nurturing a welcoming, scholarly culture over an ostentatious built
  environment.
  
•   Understands that UNCG’s primary contribution to North Carolina’s economy is the
  preparation of students in a broad–based education that equips them to be
  productive adults and citizens.
  
•   Views the public university system as the authentic “rising tide that floats all boats,”
  that is, financially accessible college education benefits not only the students, but also the society as a whole. 
  

Some have said that this is asking too much. I see it as the bare minimum. 

Some have said that we are looking for a hero. We are. Whoever can successfully repair the damage that has been done here will be a hero indeed. 

I see no reason why we do not deserve the best and I hope the search committee will not undermine that possibility by creating a faulty foundation upon which the next chancellor is expected to build. Let the sun shine in so that we can clearly see how to address what is needed because no matter how much filler is used to disguise the defects, they will come to light on their own. Better to have taken the time and effort to do things right from the beginning than to doom the future to failure before it even has a chance to start.