Gothamist: New School President Kerrey "Charismatic...Autocratic"

New School Faculty

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:24:54 -0500

The text of the resolutions passed by the Faculty (historically, from across the divisions), including a more extensive statement of concerns, are available at: http://newnewschooluniveristy.blogspot.com/ Those texts make clear that Kerrey's attempt in the New York Times to characterize this as divided traditional academics resisting change are very misguided. Faculty are frustrated at losing a Provost who was enabling the changes toward the sort of more dynamic and integrated university that the faculty have been working toward for several years now. Kerrey's tempestuous is now preventing the university from creating much-needed cross university and grad degree programs.

cncrocket

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:17:09 -0500

I decided not to enroll at Parsons because of this kind of bureaucratic nightmare. The New School has no respect for it's students.

dejesusja

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:11:34 -0500

It is ironic that an institution such as The New School - with a tradition of high democratic values, the regards for human rights and liberties - is found struggling with such issues of 'power' centralization such as President Kerry's case. The man has tremendous power to do and undo, without any kind of regard or consultation from part of the Faculty. Among the many problems of working under such unstable conditions as the ever-changing Provosts and other positions of leadership across the various divisions of the New School we can highlight the following: 1. Lack of continuity to important academic plans and initiatives and loss of momentum. 2. Sudden changes in plans that never get to mature. 3. Loss of talented members of our community 4. Insensible budget decisions that do not reflect much regard for academic based needs. 5. Not much of a representation from the Faculty to the Board of Trustees. Mr. Kerry might have earned the trust and confidence of the board through his Charisma, fund-raising and management skills, Yet, in the Academic arena, we all feel a void. On the positive side, our lack of stability at the top, has forced the faculty to develop strength, vision, and independance. We are used to change, crisis, and lack or absence of leadership. That been said, I think having to go through another 'change' at this time, like a change of president that is, will not hurt us that bad. We are strong!

mangell

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:23:23 -0500

I'd be scared of him too, He looks like he will eat your liver with some fava beans and a nice Key-anti! Hello Clarice!

egarber77

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:17:25 -0500

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