Reality Check Part 2: Process Trumps Politics

Reality Check Part 2:  Process Trumps Politics

So in my last post, we discussed at some length the governance structure of the Board and what steps, if any, might be taken to modify that structure.  But I emphasized a key point that I think bears repeating:  all paths for governance reform lead through Harrisburg.  And I believe it is very unlikely that Harrisburg will do anything that would diminish its voice or reduce the political value of its involvement with Penn State.

So, if structural change is unlikely what about the practices, policies and procedures of our Board?

The good news?  In my view. we …

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Reality Check: Governance Evolution, Not Revolution at Penn State

Reality Check:  Governance Evolution, Not Revolution at Penn State

Every Penn Stater I talk to about the events leading up to November of 2011 shares a common emotion.  Many are hurt, some feel betrayed, but all are angry.

That anger has many roots, but perhaps the most common among the alumni with whom I’ve talked is a general feeling that the Board acted in haste and that actions were taken without adequate consideration of their impact. They acted too quickly, without all the facts.

I’ve served on non-profit Boards and I’ve advised Boards of some of the …

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What will it take? The promise and perils of privatization at Penn State.

What will it take? The promise and perils of privatization at Penn State.

Is it time to take the “State” out of Penn State?

One of the questions that was presented to me by several alumni during Saturday’s “Meet n’ Greet” was the question of Penn State’s future — in the face of declining state support, can we remain state-related, or should we instead be pursuing privatization?

This is a pretty complicated question, and this post will likely be one of my longest.  But let me offer a quick executive summary:  even though some would say the Cornell model provides an …

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“Hospital in a Briefcase,” Biophotonics and other Great Things . . .

“Hospital in a Briefcase,” Biophotonics and other Great Things . . .

Another Great Thing You Probably Didn’t Know about Penn State

During my Penn State visit last week, I had the opportunity to tour the Millennium Science Complex, one of the newest additions to the University Park campus.  An imposing architectural wonder, its 297,000 square feet houses two of our University’s premiere research organizations, the Material Research Institute and the Huck Institute of Life Sciences.  If you ever wanted to see evidence of the power of Penn State to change the world, take the time to visit …

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Pennsylvania: Want a voice at Penn State? Commit to sustainable funding.

Pennsylvania:  Want a voice at Penn State?  Commit to sustainable funding.

To me, it’s very simple.

Pennsylvania’s funding for higher education, and Penn State specifically, has been a target of significant state budget cuts.  Last year, a proposed 50 percent reduction in funding was ultimately reduced to a 20 percent cut, and this year, Penn State faces a proposed 30 percent reduction in state funding.  Current trends indicate Penn State’s funding is on a crash course toward zero.

Governor Corbett asserts that this funding represents only a small part of Penn State’s operating budget, 1.8 percent.  But that …

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Ballot Position Drawing

Ballot Position Drawing

My son, Sean, a sophomore at University Park, agreed to do the honor of representing me at the drawing for the 2012 ballot positions. With 86 candidates running for the 3 alumni seats, a little luck doesn’t hurt.

Sean drew number 24, placing me in the top third of a long ballot which like real estate, can be all about location, location, location.

Sean said it was a great experience, and he enjoyed meeting many of the other candidates for this year’s board of trustee alumni elections.

Thanks, …

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