UT looking for right direction

Where does one begin when talking about the latest fiasco at the University of Tennessee? The Shumaker debacle is another in a string of embarrassing moments for UT, coming on the heels of the episode involving Pamela Reed and Wade “Silly” Gilley that led to Gilley’s departure. The most bizarre thing that has happened is how the distinguished Board of Trustees was duped by the findings of the “renowned” Bill Funk of Korn/Ferry International. Funk has certainly created a funk on the Hill. Not only is UT without a president, it also has wasted thousands of dollars on a search firm that failed miserably in its search. Hopefully UT can recoup some of the money from Korn/Ferry. The just-completed audit of Mr. Schumaker’s expenses while president should not surprise anybody. He is someone who is used to having lots of money to spend. Unfortunately, much of the money belonged to the schools for which he worked. His penchant for living extravagantly was evident in his short tenure at UT, as the audit showed. What is really galling is that the UT administrators and Board of Trustees seemed to have no clue what was happening! A rogue president was in their midst and they were unaware. Forgive them Lord, they know not what they do. It seems it’s time to clean house on the board. Governor Bredesen can replace members when their terms expire, hopefully sooner than later. It is my belief that UT needs to promote someone from its own administrative staff to the office of president, someone who truly cares about the school, the staff, and above all, the students. The new leader should be an educator, not a businessperson with connections to CEO’s and other fat cats. The students deserve better than what they’ve gotten from state government, the Board of Regents, the Board of Trustees, and top administrators for the past several years. For too long students (and their parents) have borne the brunt due to budget shortages and money mismanagement by the authorities. Fees have increased by over 30% for in-state students in the last three years alone! That is beyond absurd. As a graduate of UT, I am outraged by what has happened at the Hill. Dedication has been replaced by greed by too many people in positions of power and influence, people that are not educators. We know that big money rules in business and politics, but common sense should rule when it comes to educating our students and preparing them for life’s challenges. A student-friendly environment is sorely needed at this time.