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"Measuring graduation rates is indeed a charade. Yes, some programs have a “respectable” rate of graduating athletes, but these grads often take gut courses, major in fields that have little academic rigor (coaching, general studies), and are placed in courses taught by profs who wouldn’t recognize an academic standard if it slept in their bed. The whole enterprise ought to be called academic gerrymandering."
—Gary
NCAA Imposes Stiffer Penalties for Academic Performance of Midlevel Division I Teams
U. of Evansville President Arrested on Drunken-Driving Charges
In a statement released today by the university, Stephen G. Jennings acknowledged making “a very serious mistake” and apologized.
Petitions Are Filed for Arizona and Nebraska Referenda on Affirmative Action
The backers of a similar measure in Colorado filed petitions months ago, but legal challenges may complicate such campaigns.
Oklahoma's Matching-Gift Backlog Booms Despite Moratorium
Instead of helping to clear a $225-million backlog of matching-gift obligations, a July 1 moratorium on the program has set back the state even more.
Italian-American Groups Rally to Save Advanced Placement Test in Italian
The Italian ambassador to the United States is leading efforts to raise money to continue the examination.
U. of Chicago Students Scramble After Lender Pulls Out
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is ending its “school as lender” arrangement with the university.
Darwin Defeated in the Bayou: Louisiana Encourages 'Critical Thinking' About Evolution | 88
ACLU Complains About Noon-Meal Prayers at Naval Academy | 77
Columbia U. Fires Teachers College Professor Accused of Rampant Plagiarism | 61
U. of Phoenix's Report on Students' Progress Is 'Disingenuous,' Critic Says | 49
Student Who Died at Professor's Home Suffered a Drug Overdose | 47
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November 30, 2007
Football Success Delays U. of Missouri's Presidential Search
The University of Missouri has been without a president for eight months. A search committee had been hard at work interviewing candidates — until the university’s football team unexpectedly took over the nation’s No. 1 ranking this week.
Interview requests poured in. A Sports Illustrated cover followed.
What’s a university to do?
Top-ranked U. of Missouri football players take the field before a recent game. A win on Saturday means they will play for the national championship.
Missouri says it has been so overwhelmed with the joy ride that it has temporarily tabled its presidential search, the Associated Press reports.
Unexpected sports success has clouded other universities’ priorities before. Last year, when George Mason reached the Final Four in men’s basketball, the university’s provost, Peter Stearns, asked faculty members to show a “bit of leniency” if students skipped class.
If Missouri beats the University of Oklahoma this weekend to secure a spot in the national-championship game, it could mean an even longer wait for a new president. —Brad Wolverton
Posted on Friday November 30, 2007 | Permalink |Comments
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Well, after last night’s blowout by the Sooners, back to the search!
— rockchalkjayhawk Dec 2, 10:18 AM #
We just may want to expand that search to include a new head football coach. It’s important to get our priorities right for a change.
— Ricardo Dec 3, 08:11 AM #
The free, positive press that comes from the #1 ranking will generate more new students for the class of 2011 and more Alumni support and money for the University than the announcement of who the next President will be. Enjoy the ride! Go Tigers!
— Garry Dec 3, 10:32 AM #
Most folks can appreciate the patience the University of Missouri has undertaken in their search for an outstanding person to serve as the next President. The football squad, coaches, and athletic personnel achieved numerous milestones and they apparently accomplished much while staying within the NCAA guidelines and stipulations. Congratulations for a great season.
William Allan Kritsonis, PhD
— William Allan Kritsonis, PhD Dec 3, 11:09 AM #
Life isn’t all academics. Congrats to the good folks at Mizzou for an outstanding season!
— Al Dec 3, 12:33 PM #
My advice is to hire a president who will teach the faculty and administrators how to walk and chew gum at the same time.
— marci Dec 3, 02:22 PM #
Thank you for your thoughtful commentary, marci.
— Comm Prof Dec 3, 02:32 PM #
The search is for a system president, not a campus chancellor. If the press reports are correct, they’ve been focusing on a single candidate anyway. No real story here.
— Observer Dec 4, 08:07 AM #