ASU President Brian May Disappeared Overnight

Texas Tech regents accepted Dr. Brian May's resignation last Friday evening. Angelo State University staff and supporters learned of this shocking change via e-mail on Saturday.  Texas Tech's announcement expressed no appreciation for Dr. May's hard work and numerous accomplishments since 2012.

How could this happen?  I imagine Texas Tech blamed Dr. May for the racist incident between two ASU students.  Tech had a student shoot and kill a university police officer in October 2017.  That incident occurred under Chancellor Robert Duncan's tenure.  Current Chancellor Ted Mitchell assumed the role in October 2018.  The Texas Tech student was charged with capital murder in November 2019 and could face the death penalty.

I don't believe one episode of student violence, however disturbing, cost Dr. May his position.  But it likely damaged his relationship with Dr. Mitchell.  That relationship broke completely on April 10, 2020.

Had Dr. May done something so terrible to cause an immediate resignation?  Many who knew Brian May loved him.  He was kind to and interested in ASU employees.  Could Dr. May have a private face that differed from the one seen by the public?  Sure.  But what happened a week ago was so in-congruent with Angelo State's Ram Family had known and experienced with their leader.

While his resignation could have been the result of a poor personal choice it is more likely the result of Dr. May standing up for ASU and the people he served.  The novel coronavirus instantly wrecked the U.S. economy and devastated energy prices.

Today's management practices emphasize dollars and data over everything else.  Dr. May stood for people, a minuscule priority in a world where human resources is "strategic."  HR exists to implement executive priorities, not take care of workers.  Saying "No" is not acceptable in a top down hierarchy.

I believe Texas Tech asked Dr. May to do something he would not do, as a man of conscience.  Did they ask May to reduce ASU employees by X percent?  Did they want him to use technology in an invasive manner or add busy work to a soon to be depleted workforce?  We can't truly know as no one is talking.  

We do know what is in our hearts, which broke in the sudden resignation of Dr. May.  I am sure ASU's Interim President is competent and deserves a chance to lead.  But not acknowledging the tremendous loss of Brian May and faculty, staff and student's heartbreak could turn the Ram Family into a dysfunctional one.  Texas Tech robbed the ASU family of the chance to say thank you and goodbye to the leader they loved.

Enough pain looms on the horizon in our COVID-19 world.  Taking away the opportunity to honor a beloved leader is a strategic management decision.  And for many it hurts like hell.

Update 4-19-20:  University of Arizona announced furloughs and pay cuts for employees.  Closer to home Baylor University made $80 million in budget cuts for the coming year.

Update 7-13-21:  Some believe Dr. May was asked to resign after giving employees a 5% pay increase.  Texas Tech administrators viewed his action unfavorably after the COVID-19 pandemic began and revenue sources dried up.   San Angelo Live took an interest in this story, reporting findings from investigative reporter Wayne Dolcefino.

Update 6-8-22:  Dr. May resigned in the midst of a sexual harassment investigation.  The Standard Times received documents from Texas Tech detailing the events that led up to his resignation.