Sunday, February 05, 2012

ASU Provost Target is May


The Standard Times reported on Angelo State University's search for a new Provost:

A 15-member committee is in charge of winnowing the applications down to a handful of candidates to present to ASU President Joseph Rallo, hopefully by May.

Brian May, the dean of the College of Graduate Studies, has served as interim provost and vice president of academic affairs since June, after the resignation of Anthony Blose.
Here's what Dr. Rallo said about May's interim appointment as Provost:

“Dr. May has led the graduate program to record levels of enrollment, while also playing an active role in the varied initiatives designed to achieve our enrollment goal of 10,000 students by the year 2020,” Rallo said. “Well respected on campus and in the community, Dr. May has been an exceptional partner in our efforts to secure funding at federal level for our Center for Security Studies and in conjunction with our status as a Hispanic Serving Institution. 

“Overall, Dr. May’s skills are perfectly suited for the challenges we face in maintaining a quality academic program in the face of reduced budgets and academic realignment,” Rallo said. 

Besides May's perfect fit for the job, the newspaper story pointed to an internal candidate:

A major responsibility of the position at ASU will be to help integrate the Quality Enhancement Plan into the curriculum across the university.

The QEP is a requirement for re-accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. ASU has proposed a QEP of community-engaged active learning, which would require students to participate in "real-world" education such as internships as a requirement of graduation.

The QEP will also require active involvement with businesses and organizations in San Angelo and the Concho Valley to develop the internships and other programs for the students.

"We need to have someone in place who is able to maximize those partnerships with the local community."
Dr. Rallo noted May's strong community relationships when the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce named Brian Citizen of the Year in 2008.

“Brian is committed to San Angelo and its future,” Rallo said. “He spends a lot of time serving the community and truly enjoys working with people. His enthusiasm is contagious and, on top of that, he is successful at whatever he sets out to do.” 

Those who've lived in San Angelo know what a great community it is, but it runs funny.  Relationships often take precedence over abilities and qualifications.  Leaders aren't always known for their transparency.

As for ASU's Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost slot, May is the target in time-frame and name.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I strongly recommend that finalists are fully vetted before the appointment is made. We don't want to be surprised by any skeletons falling out of closets...the same ones that may have prevented a future in the political arena.

Anonymous said...

It's amazing how ASU will spend time and money doing a national search for the new Provost and then Dr. Rallo, who has the final say, will most probably override any suggestions and give the job to Dr. May. Why don't they stop this stupid show of transparency!

PEU Report/State of the Division said...

I had a bad dream about Dr. Rallo and a show of transparency:

http://stateofthedivision.blogspot.com/2012/01/latest-nightmare-rallo-may-i.html

PEU Report/State of the Division said...

Would you conduct a national search if the prime internal candidate was allowed to chose the search committee?

Rallo, May I? Yes you May...

Anonymous said...

While I really like Brian and think that he is a great guy I have reason to question his judgment. From what I understand, recent transitions in a certain department of science have not gone smoothly, due in part to Brian's judgment. From what I hear, certain people have been rewarded based on suspicious circumstances, while a more deserving faculty member has been overlooked due to a number of factors. After complaints have been launched, the overlooked faculty member has been offered a raise to make up for the injustice by Brian rather than making the situation right. This speaks to Brian's character Ithink.