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BoT names two finalists for UW President
- Thread starter Vapoke
- Start date
LanderPoke
Well-known member
Great
Cody does have some good video of the General who appears to love sports. He was originally from Rock Springs
Bryoming
Well-known member
And why would they? The legislature is openly hostile towards the University. If I were someone that were looking to lead a university I would steer clear of Wyoming in the current state political climate.
Underwhelming? How so?
OrediggerPoke
Well-known member
I want a leader that values the school and the state and will act with integrity at all times.
We have a Brig General Dean of West Point as an applicant who previously served as a military JAG officer. Perhaps I am in the minority but I am much more intrigued by that potential over the ‘Ivy League’ educated candidate who puts on blue jeans and a cowboy hat for the first time ever to show how ‘cowboy’ he is and who demands a private EV charging station and a dean position for his girlfriend.
Brew_Poke
Well-known member
Seems it's obviously aimed at ideologically pleasing the Legislature.
It would be a meteoric rise for Dr. Kelly Crane who just 7 years ago was Director of UW Extension. He was elevated to Ag Dean after Rasco stepped down to focus more on authorship and consulting. And just three short years later, here he is in the running for UW President.
For better and for worse, I think these finalists shows how UW is viewed amongst academia. Some will likely argue that is a good thing. Others probably strongly disagree. I guess only time will tell because the declining enrollment is an existential threat to UW as we know it, and that has to get figured out in the next decade.
For better and for worse, I think these finalists shows how UW is viewed amongst academia. Some will likely argue that is a good thing. Others probably strongly disagree. I guess only time will tell because the declining enrollment is an existential threat to UW as we know it, and that has to get figured out in the next decade.
McPeachy
Well-known member
Well stated.
Wyolie Coyote
Well-known member
Although I was hoping for Matt Mead, I would back Reeves. He is obviously the better choice in my opinion. Can this inept BOT see that though?
OrediggerPoke
Well-known member
Was Mead an actual candidate? Other than early speculation, I had heard that he wasn’t a candidate (may not have submitted a letter of interest).
Wyolie Coyote
Well-known member
Not sure, but he would have been my preference. There was mutual interest at one point. Obviously did not escalate.
My hope is that Matt would consider running for Lummis' Senate seat but he more than likely will stay a gentleman rancher. As far as the President of the University, I would be far more interested in bringing in someone from the outside like Reeves than an internal hire.
LanderPoke
Well-known member
Take the survey and support Reeves
Meet the Presidential Candidates
This page provides information about the presidential candidates who will be visiting campus in late March/early April
www.uwyo.edu
WyomingCoog
New member
I'm sorry, but I had to jump in on this thread. The comments on here are unbelievable. Are there people on here actually complaining about the candidates (specifically Shane Reeves)? Saying there must not have been interest if these are the candidates, "underwhelming", where's the Philip Dubois types, etc? Shane is a soon to be 2-star general that is currently the academic dean of one of the most prestigious places for higher learning on the planet. Every student who currently graduates under Shane is an officer in the US Army. You have to be personally nominated by a US Senator from your state to even apply to West Point. Shane was appointed to his current position by the President of the United States and confirmed by the US Senate. He received a Masters of Laws degree from JAG school and was head of the West Point Law Dept. before becoming the dean. On top of the academic success, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his combat service in Iraq. He has also conducted long form podcast/interviews with guys like Elon Musk and Coach K (who called him a good friend). Besides his academic success, he has a love of sports and the state of Wyoming (born and raised in Rock Springs and played high school football)....Shane is an absolute elite candidate. I'd be surprised if Wyoming has ever had a presidential candidate with this type of resume. Philip Dubois?? Please....that guy was the vice chancellor of academics at UNC Charlotte. So you think the second in command at UNC Charlotte compares in any way to the Academic Dean of West Point? You have to be kidding. When he is done at West Point, he'll be one of the top "free agents" in the world of academics. If Wyoming doesn't take Shane, he'll wind up the President of a place like Michigan, Texas A&M, Syracuse, etc. This is a once in a generation type candidate who realistacally has no business even applying for a job like this, but wants to come back to the state he loves and give back. So I gotta ask you guys.....If a soon to be 2-star general with combat serivce medals, a masters of laws degree, that runs one of the most prestigious schools in America, that was born and raised in Wyoming, and has a passion for sports isn't a good candidate, I'd love to hear a type of resume that would be better.
Brew_Poke
Well-known member
Now I'm even more unenthused.
I don't think anyone is denying that Shane Reeves has had an outstanding military career. His career is impressive and he should be proud of it. That being said, running a federal service academy and a civilian university are completely different animals.
As you mentioned, getting into West Point is extremely difficult. The demand far exceeds the number of seats they have open on an annual basis. As a result, West Point has the luxury of being highly selective and admitting only extremely high performing applicants. Contract this with UW that has a declining enrollment and an acceptance rate of 96-98%.
Tuition at West Point is fully funded by the federal government. Because of this, the financials at West Point are about as secure as you can get. Contrast this with UW where, especially with current state legislature, funding cuts/stagnation are a high likelihood.
Lastly, West Point gets to guarantee 100% employment upon graduation due to the military commitment cadets make when entering. Not only that, but cadets are paid a monthly salary while at West Point. Contrast that with UW where some post-grad job prospects are pretty bleak (depending on the degree) and cost/tuition is a real problem in retaining students through graduation.
There are some real problems at UW right now, none more important than the declining enrollment. Shane Reeves would be tasked with solving several issues that he has probably never even thought about at West Point because they are essentially irrelevant there. His success in the military and subsequent position at a highly prestigious federal service academy certainly does not guarantee him success at a struggling civilian university.
