Sean O’Keefe, who resigned as chancellor of Lousiana State University at Baton Rouge in 2008, is among the survivors of a plane crash Monday in Alaska, according to news reports. The crash killed at least five people, including former U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens. Mr. O’Keefe, who led NASA before his four-year stint at LSU, is currently chief executive of EADS North America, a defense contractor. He and Mr. Stevens were apparently embarking on a fishing trip when the single-engine plane went down, and Mr. O’Keefe’s son, Kevin, is also reported to be among survivors. Mr. O’Keefe’s resignation at LSU came amid rumors that he had been asked to leave by the system’s incoming president, John V. Lombardi.
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5 Responses to Former LSU Chancellor Survives Crash That Killed Ted Stevens
scottgiles - August 10, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Sean O’Keefe is a fine man and a dedicated public servant who gave a great deal of his time and energy to the service of our country. With heavy hearts for the families of all of the people on board this plane, we can unite in hope that Sean and his son are among the survivors.I am deeply disappointed by the last line of this “ticker”. Gratuitous negative speculation about his tenure at LSU is out of place at a time like this and is entirely irrelevent to the story as presented.
22118130 - August 10, 2010 at 8:32 pm
While I wish Mr. O’Keefe the very best and a swift recovery, saying he may have been asked to leave LSU does not disparage him. In fact, if you read the article for which the link is provided, you will see that, while Mr. O’Keefe left on his own, he pretty much acknowledged that, while he was not forced out, the new system president made it clear he wanted his own team. That is certainly not the same as suggesting he may have been guilty of wrongdoing or incompetence. Facts are facts, and it is not defamation to acknowledge the truth, especially when a complete explanation can easily be found.
scottgiles - August 10, 2010 at 11:01 pm
My point stands. And if you were referring to facts, you might have chosen a word other than rumour.
jffoster - August 11, 2010 at 9:21 am
Maybe he should have spelled his name ‘Eaux’Keefe’.
painter33 - August 11, 2010 at 3:06 pm
While at LSU, he gave his “time and energy” not “to the service his country” or to LSU but to the many (paid) boards that he sought to add to his already substantial income. He was delusional in thinking he knew anything about higher education, let alone his view that he knew everything. He was distant and indifferent and, in a few instances, abusive. All of this cannot overshadow the genuine hope that he, his son, and the other survivors enjoy full and speedy recoveries.