In an article posted Tuesday, the Student Press Law Center (SPLC) notes the problems the campus newspaper, The Chart, have been having with Speck's dictatorial policies:
First issued in June 2008 but not enforced until last week, the policy designates Director of University Relations Rodney Surber to answer all media questions regarding the university and set up all interviews between university employees and the press, said Brennan Stebbins, editor-in-chief of the MSSU Chart,.
"All of a sudden the sources that we rely on are unavailable and we've been told to go through the public relations on campus, which I think hurts our credibility because we can't get information from primary sources anymore," Stebbins said.
A call to the university President Bruce Speck was re-directed to Surber and Surber did not respond to multiple calls by press time.
And where are Carol Stark and the Joplin Globe in the meantime?
ReplyDeleteThey are just waiting to cover the next singing performance of the Rich Tenor Voice, their favorite Bruce...
ReplyDeleteSpeck came to MSSU woefully unprepared to be a university president. And, it's apparent he hasn't learned much during two years on the job. His instincts and common sense are sorely lacking; when faced with a challenge, he inevitably makes the wrong decision. I've never seen anything quite like it. Frankly, there's absolutely no hope for improvement or change at this stage of his life and career. MSSU just needs to cut their losses and put an end to the Speck era.
ReplyDeleteHe is now missing in action at the faculty senate meetings - the word on the street is he doesnt plan on going to anymore unless forced - and now they are trying to do a VP search again - but as most of us know it is to late - only canidates left are ones who couldnt get a job (bruce can relate to that)
ReplyDeleteSearches for high level college administrators are always started in early fall. Everybody knows that. To see Bruce finally starting the search for an academic vp in April shows his ineptitude ( and that of his board that permits this). You are looking at another failed search and some kind of (unexpected?) appointment (perhaps waiting in the wings). It's the only explanation that would make sense. Either way, a failed search or a sleigh of hand, shows how bad this president and this board are.
ReplyDeleteThe PR nightmare that MSSU has had to endure under Speck's leadership is unfair to the numerous good people that work there. It's sad to think how one man's incompetence can impact so many other people. What's more shocking is how the Board of Governors seems content to allow this to go on...and on...and on....
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