| Future of selection process uncertain |
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| Written by Alexiss Turner - Argonaut | ||||||
| Thursday, 02 April 2009 | ||||||
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The exact inner workings of the presidential selection process fall under a closed-door system between the Idaho State Board of Education and a University of Idaho selection committee. Although little is known about what goes into the selection process, the only things to come out recently are candidates. Presidential finalist David Dooley stepped out of the running Monday, the third candidate to drop out of the race since it began. In a public release, Dooley said his and the SBOE’s “visions for the role, scope and future of UI were not the right fit at this time.” Dooley declined to comment on the situation, redirecting any questions to SBOE Spokesman Mark Browning. “The state board (and Dooley) mutually agreed that they had different visions, and upon that realization, he was withheld,” Browning said. After finalists were selected in January, the campus selection committee was cleared of its duties. With two of the finalists out of the running, ASUI President Garrett Holbrook, the only student member on the campus selection committee, said SBOE needs to get the job done. “We’re in a pickle now,” he said. “We need the state board to step up. Financially, we can’t handle not having someone who can … represent us.” Kansas State University Provost Duane Nellis, another finalist, removed his name from consideration after the SBOE rejected his salary request, according to his official statement. Holbrook said he is unaware whether or not Dooley’s removal was salary related. “They didn’t see eye to eye,” he said. “If it’s a matter of money, I hope the state board comes up with it.” Other finalists include Larry Penley, a former president of Colorado State University who resigned from his post last November. Before his resignation, an investigation had begun into Penley’s decision to move large amounts of funding from academic departments to the athletic department and his own. The Colorado Independent reported the move tripled the budget of his department. Holbrook said as soon as Penley’s name was released as a finalist, he received e-mails asking his name be stricken from consideration. He said the decision was difficult because he is qualified. “As soon as we put him on the list, people started saying things about him,” he said. “Frankly, on paper, he is a good candidate.” UI College of Law Dean Don Burnett is also still in the running. Holbrook said Burnett has made it clear he is ready to lead. “He is happy to serve, if we let him,” he said. When Interim President Steven Daley-Laursen took his position, he agreed he would not be considered as the permanent president, Browning said, but he does not rule out the possibility. He said the board is capable of making such a decision. “The ultimate hire is up to the board,” he said. “… anything is possible.” Holbrook said Daley-Laursen has shown his ability to carry the weight of the university, but his interim status remains. “Until he’s permanent, he’s an interim,” he said. Holbrook said he believes Daley-Laursen should be considered for the presidency. “I hope it’s a possibility,” he said. Browning said SBOE Vice President Paul Agidius has asked for any additional information on potential candidates, and the process is ongoing. Holbrook said the future of the search process is, at this point, unknown. “The search committee worked very hard,” he said. “I’m really sad … we really don’t know what the state board’s plan is now.”  Add as favorites (85) | Views: 1039
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