UMESS: Continued: How to Pick A President

The Globe reports in big letters that UMass trustees are commited to an open search for its new president. The subhead—more compelling—is that many on campus are wary of the process. How unfortunate that the story is being managed by the voices on campus and the press, if, in fact, there is to be an open, transparent, and recognizable search for a new president. Wilson and the trustees had an opportunity in the face of all the tumult to do some damage control. They could have gone out of their way to make it clear that they intended to follow accepted protocols in higher education for filling a presidential opening, including perhaps hiring a search firm. The outreach to faculty and top administrators could have begun immediately. There would have been nothing to loose and everything to gain. Why no downside? Because the creation of a search document requires those conducting the search—in this case the trustees—to say what they are looking for. Simply put, they are looking for someone they can work with and someone who shares their vision regarding centralization of campuses. It is not clear that they are looking for a puppet. That would be unfortunate and might necessitate an appointee. A real search committee, consisting of faculty and administrators, would likely prevent such an appointment. A search firm could help in relaying the information to the trustees that a VP of Communications should be communicating. But there doesn't seem be to one. It is imperative for WIlson and the trustees to bring in a president who can help see their vision and work closely to address faculty concerns. WIlson and the trustees can demonstrate that they understand and hear the issues faculty and administrators are raising by simply following standard search protocols. It would be a huge win for them. And might even uncover a great president.