Hindsight for sure, but Keeping Padilla around is cancerous.
It's a sad situation when appointing even an interim prez would've opened up more possibilities for getting some things done than retaining the incumbent.
But this is a lost year, institutionally speaking, at a time for higher ed when a lame duck year for an unpopular president is very costly.
I hope what's going on behind the scenes is hopeful and grounded. As I've said before, this presidential pick is for all the marbles in terms of VU's future.
Well said, David.
When Heckler stepped down, an interim Prez was appointed, right? Why not this time? Of course, the reigning memory of that situation was the eventual change over from Crusaders to something else 😉
Scratching my head on this one.
Yes, that's true. Plus,... the VU board member who served as the interim VU president after Heckler left is STILL a member of the VU board. Maybe the board asked her to serve again and she declined. She lives in Indy but I can't recall her name.
Maybe they chose NOT to hire an interim president for financial reasons. At least they wouldn't be double paying for a president in addition to double paying the head coach position.
I would assume she wasnt selected because she was also the interim that got rid of the Crusader. People still have a sour taste in their mouth and their wallet from that decision it seems
The interim was Colette Irwin-Knott, and to my knowledge she was never a candidate for the permanent position. She also is serving on the search committee right now for the next president.
Good news! I just watched which is called "the last prayer" as it relates to the selection of our next President. Included prayers for safe travels as the candidates come to the campus. We're in the final push folks.
The interim was Colette Irwin-Knott, and to my knowledge she was never a candidate for the permanent position. She also is serving on the search committee right now for the next president.
And people wonder about the blunders the University has made -when we keep her on the board? Someone that single handedly alienated alumni and cost the school hundreds of thousands to be alaughing stock with our new mascot? Why not show her the curb as well...blind leading blind
But she's a strong public finance professional which is our top need at present.
I doubt that changing to the "Freakin Beacons," in a trendy move to be politically correct was her idea. She was just a convenient vehicle to take the hit. Or did they not realize a big push back from alumni would be coming? Who knows? In either case, I wouldn't throw out her skills as we navigate endless bond issues and debt.
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The interim was Colette Irwin-Knott, and to my knowledge she was never a candidate for the permanent position. She also is serving on the search committee right now for the next president.
And people wonder about the blunders the University has made -when we keep her on the board? Someone that single handedly alienated alumni and cost the school hundreds of thousands to be alaughing stock with our new mascot? Why not show her the curb as well...blind leading blind
As I recall, it was on her ‘interim watch’ that the Crusader became persona non grata due to PC concerns .
However, it was Padilla's unilateral decision to anoint Beacons as our mascot/sports nickname. He had other options that could have preserved the image and spirit of the Crusader, like Golden Knights, or he could have selected a powerful animal like a dune hawk, or golden eagle, or even reopened the competition. But he chose an unrelatable, amorphous idea as a mascot. IMO, the final renaming was 100% on Padilla.
If Knott can bring in desperately needed funding to Valparaiso University, and she had to take on an interim leadership role which is usually not enjoyable or appreciated, then keep her on the board.
I just wish Padilla would just go away as if I could swat a fly.
Sounds like the finalist are selected with final round of interviews end of the month. Didnt see any names, but at least it sounds like progress is being made.
Sounds like the finalist are selected with final round of interviews end of the month. Didnt see any names, but at least it sounds like progress is being made.
More importantly, the email stated that they anticipate announcing the next President in mid to late November.
As this seems to be a closed search, Valpo will not be releasing any names until a deal is reached with the new President. There are good and bad points about closed (and open) searches, but a closed search seems appropriate as it likely attracts more and better candidates.
While I like that Jon Steinbrecher sends updates, I don't think the degree of religious implication in the updates is appropriate - nor does it come off as professional. The most recent email comes off as looking for divine intervention as they work through the process, when it will all come down to good and qualified people gathering and debating information on which candidate best fits with Valpo's mission and can lead Valpo through (and out of) this difficult period.
84, I think you may have lost track of the fact that Valpo is a Christian institution founded on following Christ’s teaching which includes prayer seeking God’s guidance.
Certainly Jon’s statements would be inappropriate if he was leading a search effort at Ohio State, but not at Valpo.
72, I did not lose track of that. To avoid any religious based argument that is not appropriate for this site, let's agree that we have differing opinions.
