The secrecy of the UH System Board of Regents in arriving at its sole finalist for the UH presidency is disheartening.
Several candidates were brought in about a week and a half ago -†apparently to the campus or at least to the city -†for a final interview with the search committee and, presumably, some or all board members.†
However, contrary to UH practices†in the past, faculty, staff and students were not permitted to hear the candidates speak, nor to question them at a public meeting.†That’s not against the law, but it is an arrogant, inappropriate action for officials of a major public university.†
Top candidates for several deanships in recent years have been brought to campus and introduced to the UH community at open, public gatherings.†I believe we also knew that Jay Gogue was among the finalists before the board chose him.†
Not to do the same with candidates this year for the University’s most important position is not illegal, but it’s wrong, and an insult to the UH community.
The excuse given is to protect the candidates’ confidentiality.†That’s nonsense.†It’s highly unlikely that the institutions of the final three or four candidates, winnowed down from a starting field of 40,†don’t know that the candidates are interviewing for the job.
In addition, there certainly is no stigma attached to those who make that final round but then are not chosen to lead†this major public university.
The applicable piece of the Texas Code, Section 552.123, specifically cites†those applying to be CEO at a higher education institution. It says the name or names of the finalists must be made public 21 days before the appointment is officially made.† Most reasonable people would certainly believe that a few people brought in just days before the board announcement would constitute the finalists out of a group of 40.
The board must wait 21 days before officially appointing its candidate. We can only hope that Renu Khator will visit here in those 21 days and meet with faculty, students and all others interested, as should have happened two weeks ago.†
Ted Stanton
Journalism professor emeritus
