MCC faculty screeners say Smith, Kessler lack right credentials
So screams the headline in a Democrat and Chronicle article today. As we have said more than a couple of times - Something isn’t right with this selection process.
Just to recap. MCC president retires, two search committees ( a standing committee and one appointed by the MCC Board) independently identify 5 candidates, behind the scenes maneuvering results in a the MCC board a MCC Trustee board resignation. Two new names are added to the list of 5 from each committee. Former Monroe County Legislator Bill Smith and restaurant owner Dennis Kessler. The Public, MCC selection boards, D&C Editorial board and just about everyone else cry foul.
Well - The article discusses why these two particular individuals were not on the original selection list. Three words. Lacked Right Credentials.
Here are come snips form the article.
Both committees recommended the same two men: Broome Community College President Laurence Spraggs and Kenneth Ender, president of Cumberland County College in Vineland, N.J.
[snip]
The reports on Spraggs and Ender detailed how they met virtually all of the criteria laid out by the board: both men hold doctorates; as current community college presidents they both have demonstrated a dedication to education and teaching; both men have substantial senior level administrative experience in higher education; and both have showed that they have an ability to develop partnerships with community groups, business and government.
Why not Smith or Kessler?
The first item listed by the board as an essential qualification for president is a doctorate, with a minimum of a master’s degree. Neither Smith nor Kessler has a doctorate.
Smith has no teaching experience and no experience in higher education. Kessler has taught part time at several colleges, but his main occupation is running dozens of restaurants with his brother Laurence.
Kessler has no experience with legislative advocacy, working with governments, collective bargaining or educational administration, said Mary Timmons, librarian and chairwoman of the faculty search committee, who read notes of the interviews.
Smith also has not shown a commitment to higher education, and Timmons pointed out that county funding for the college dropped while he served in the Monroe County Legislature.
The panel found that he had no other relevant experience and his fundraising efforts were limited to his political party.
So compare the qualifications and choices. Existing Community College Presidents or a Restaurateur and Political fund raiser.
Just because you know how to put on a bandage doesn’t make you a doctor.
Kessler and Smith may be fine people. They are not qualified to run a Community College.
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The republicans here have no respect for academia. In their view it is little more than a training school for low pay industry or service jobs or badly treated medical techs. Students are just cogs to fill the needs and coffers of businessmen. Not individuals who have their own needs and interests.
We ought to be troubled not simply because of the political interference but what that interference means to the mission of higher education. This conversion of higher ed to to a service station for industry is a national and international phenomenon.
MCC is actually a good community college and the students deserve better
Judge for yourself - here is the job description from MCC’s employment site from YESTERDAY - which was ironically removed TODAY - but I did a capture…ah, the blessing of a computer. Note the deadline for applications was in December of 2007 - and Kessler and Smith was introduced in March of 2008. You really need to be cognizant of contract law and labor law and hiring practices to avoid violating state laws:
Well come on…”They” are quite obviously running out of places to place supporter’s butts…so of course, “They” need to create more butt parking places!