Speck did not admit to doing anything wrong, gave the traditional "I'm sorry if I offended anyone" non-apology response for his "Pink Slip Blues" performance at a Joplin Rotary Club meeting, and pretty much said he was right about everything so get off his .
In one portion of his rambling letter, Speck says MSSU officials knew nothing about fundraising until he came to the campus:
Second I have articulated components of a vision. In particular, I have talked about MSSU being an entrepreneurial campus regarding fundraising. In my efforts to make that vision a reality, I have found a learned helplessness that has caused me to revise the vision to include significant training in how departments can reach out to the community. When the VP for development arrives in November, I will continue my discussions with him about organizing training sessions so that departments understand what it means to be entrepreneurial in fundraising.
That begs the question of why Speck needs to wait until the new vice president for development arrives. Since Speck was billed as a herculean fundraiser when he arrived at MSSU, why doesn't he lead by example instead of through blustering.
In his letter, Speck says he has not tried to destroy the international mission. How could he, he notes, since "I provided a PowerPoint presentation to the Faculty Senate on the economic history of the international component of our mission." Apparently, in many cultures, showing a power point, is considered a declaration of undying love.
Speck also accepts no blame for low morale on campus and places the blame on everyone else:
"I believe each person is primarily responsible for his or her morale. If that is not the case, a person is a victim of circumstances, and such a view leads to fatalism. Personal responsibility for one's morale does not endorse lack of regard fpr people or failure to improve conditions in life. My goal to preserve jobs all across campus during the international economic crisis is an indication of my desire to protect all employees frpm the economic and emotional duress that generally attends unemployment."
As far as the "Pink Slip Blues' is concerned, no one should be offended because he didn't sing it to the faculty, he sang it to a bunch of businessmen who all admred his dulcid tones.
As you may recall, the MSSU Board of Governors, following a closed session ordered Speck to make nice with the faculty. In this nine-page, self-serving letter, Speck shows no sign of trying to meet anyone halfway.
Why in the world did the board extend his contract to 2011 before finding out if he actually could make an effort to work with faculty? That action was a slap in the face to everyone associated with Missouri Southern State University.
That is OK with me.
ReplyDeleteSpeck truly doesn't see his own failures and places blame on everyone else or minimizes his actions.
ReplyDeleteOne example is the response in regards to his directive that an adjunct not be used only one week before the start of the semester.(Top of page 6 of his response) If this employee was so critical, then wouldn't a simple phone call to the Dean involved explaining the situation and Dr. Speck's concerns have been a simple way to handle the situation. Instead he gave a very strong directive and then refused to explain it. If the explanation is so simple WHY wouldn't you meet with your own employees to explain the decision and gain their support.
Speck has a dictatorial approach to management. He sees no value in faculty and is not open to discussing any decisions.
It's the same way with the Int'l Mission. It is NOT up to the Board of Directors to change that mission. That mission has been assigned by the Legislature. It is up to the Board to provide Board level guidance and policy in how to carry it out, not to question it. If the Board doesn't want that mission, then they should ask the Legislature to eliminate it AND reduce MSSU's funding by the $4 million that they receive for that mission.
Maybe the legislature should cut the funding and end the program that helped so very few...can't help but think there are many places in Missouri that would benefit from 4m...in education and outside education....
ReplyDeleteThe faculty senate would make a big mistake if they don't take that vote of confidence now.
ReplyDeleteDouglas is trying very hard to delay it now. That's why Teverow heard from "a couple of people across campus".
Anderson is pushing for the same delay hoping that somehow Bruce will pull through.
The truth is: The man is beyond redemption. In interview on the Pittsburgh channel last night Speck criticized Roger Chelf. He told the reporter (paraphrasing now)"Roger Chelf is a scientist. He has a PhD in the sciences. PhD's are trainined in the scientific method, to search for evidence to back up theories. I have not seen any evidence of that skill in this process."
Now, is that how he extends a hand to the faculty? Is that how he "improves relations" with the faculty? By calling into question their motives and insulting them? Because, make no mistake, the reference to Chelf is really a reference to all the Ph.D's on campus.
A tactful, diplomatic leader who is in trouble does not do that. Bruce is simply incapable of being a university president.
As for the board, they are also beyond redemption:
Anderson cares only about basketball andd football.
Douglas now is working to control the board once again and thus protect his employer's (Freeman Hospital)interests: the health insurance contract awarded to Freeman years ago to the detriment of St. John's and many Southern employees who lost valuable access to their preferred hospital: St John's. And of course Douglas wants a medical school for Freeman Hospital.
The dentist is the only one who fights and asks questions.
The rest of the board members do not seem to exist, seldom ask questions, and do not have a clue. Pure and simple.
Faculty senate: don't give in now or you'll regret it for a long time.
Anonymous 7:56
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of what you say, but feel I must add this: A tactful, diplomatic leader probably wouldn't have gotten into this mess in the first place. And such a leader would never, ever make light of a tough economic situation by such a failed attempt at humor as "Pink Slip Blues."
Speck's time has come and it will be interesting to see the results of the Nov. 2 faculty ballot.
MSSU alum
So Speck chastises and insults Chelff because his degree is in Science. Speck's is in English. Read his ocassional thoughts and there is no evidence of that PhD in Speck's writing either.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Speck should take a page from his own book - with a PhD in English he is unqualified to be a University President, and his actions so far prove that very clearly.