Faculty had accused him of nepotism and mismanagement; other stakeholders alleged his vision for WIND would be its downfall. The disability community, state lawmakers and funding agencies took notice.
The removal of Dean Warren, albeit long overdue, does not resolve this matter. The University’s problems run much deeper than just a single individual. This cataclysmic event would have been avoided had there been adequate safeguards and accountability measures in place. Until these inadequacies are rectified, the University will have difficulty securing and preserving talent, funding, and community support.
Moreover, the actions of the Provost and President must also now come under intense scrutiny because this disaster was facilitated by their leadership, or lack thereof. More safeguards and accountability at all levels are necessary to foster student and faculty trust, the strong rebuilding of the WIND and WWAMI programs, and prevent repetition of this chaos in the future.
Finally, the University owes a public apology to both Ms. Root-Elledge and Dr. Schumaker, true champions of the University and the state, who were unjustly forced to sacrifice their long and distinguished careers simply because they did the right thing trying to protect the University from certain disaster. The state along with the faculty and staff of the University should never forget their sacrifice – thank you both for having the strength and courage to fight for the University when the Provost, President and Trustee did not. You both are the true embodiment of the Cowboy spirit!
The removal of Dean Warren, albeit long overdue, does not resolve this matter. The University’s problems run much deeper than just a single individual. This cataclysmic event would have been avoided had there been adequate safeguards and accountability measures in place. Until these inadequacies are rectified, the University will have difficulty securing and preserving talent, funding, and community support.
Moreover, the actions of the Provost and President must also now come under intense scrutiny because this disaster was facilitated by their leadership, or lack thereof. More safeguards and accountability at all levels are necessary to foster student and faculty trust, the strong rebuilding of the WIND and WWAMI programs, and prevent repetition of this chaos in the future.
Finally, the University owes a public apology to both Ms. Root-Elledge and Dr. Schumaker, true champions of the University and the state, who were unjustly forced to sacrifice their long and distinguished careers simply because they did the right thing trying to protect the University from certain disaster. The state along with the faculty and staff of the University should never forget their sacrifice – thank you both for having the strength and courage to fight for the University when the Provost, President and Trustee did not. You both are the true embodiment of the Cowboy spirit!
The above comment says it all…the University is a mess.