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[sdsuserials]

"The committee [for MIT Dean of Admissions] was comprised of Vander Sande, Professor Harold Abelson PhD '73, Professor Lawrence S. Bacow SB '72, Professor Evelynn M. Hammonds SM '80, Dean of the School of Science Robert J. Birgeneau, Tony Chao '99, Michael Wong G and a three member search support team."

--from the MIT Website, January 1998
http://www-tech.mit.edu/V117/N65/djones.65n.html

[generalist_j]

I am so taking that Nobel Prize off my vita before someone checks.

Which one?

[tolerantly]

"The committee [for MIT Dean of Admissions] was comprised of [...] and a three member search support team."

--from the MIT Website, January 1998
http://www-tech.mit.edu/V117/N65/djones.65n.html

Really?  With the little barrels of brandy around their necks?

[ea15792]

I think what this story shows is that perhaps we place too much emphasis on formal education.  I believe that academia does teach many valuable skills (beyond content knowledge), but I also believe those skills can be learned through experience.  Basically, I believe that experience, particularly in administrative roles, is more valuable than education.

But, with that being said, MIT should have fired her immediately for lying about her credentials.  I take biggest issue with the fact that she lied, rather than her lack of credentials.  But, I've found that even outside of academia more and more business are requiring education that is simply not necessary, and I believe drives employees to accelerated programs (which, IMO is a lite degree...because it lacks the rigor of a traditional program) and other types programs which take their money and give them very little in return.