University of Central Oklahoma

[Laramie]

No, I just am not here to get into a political discussion. However, obviously the majority of the state is fine with its elected leaders as evidenced by nothing ever changing.

Very well stated.

[Pete]

This is probably what Richison was referring to when he said Lamb's hiring was "repayment of political favors":

The regent who led the presidential search advisory committee, Susan Winchester, was Lamb's chief of staff during his final year and a half as lieutenant governor from 2017 to 2019.

Winchester, a former state representative, did not recuse herself from the search committee nor from the vote to hire Lamb, the regents confirmed to The Oklahoman.

UCO professors voice 'deep concerns' with process leading to former lt. governor's hire

[oktxatty]

Lamb has his work cut out for him. Declining enrollment, budget shorftalls, numerous alleged discrimination issues, Title IX complaints, lack of support from a major donor, to name a few. May be the first job he's had in awhile where he'll actually have to roll up his sleeves.

[Pete]

Lamb also applied for the OCU Law job that went to David Holt.

Would be interested to know if OCU found Lamb to be unqualified.

[Laramie]

Lamb also applied for the OCU Law job that went to David Holt.

Would be interested to know if OCU found Lamb to be unqualified.

In any event OCU chose the applicant they felt could best serve their needs. Especially with the School of Law at
the former Central High School location downtown on North Harvey Avenue.

Mayor David Holt is a 'high energy' person who is no stranger to scheduling management.

Let's hope the two hats that Mayor Holt experience 'doesn't lead to burn out.'


.

[Rover]

I could be wrong, but McAfee seems like one of those firms that would be reasonably selective about its personnel -- even with respect to politically connected former LGs.

Law firms can be very political too and value connections to the system.

Secondly, being a lawyer in no way qualifies you as the best candidate to run a school. No on is saying he is scum, just that his qualifications seem based way more on his political connections than his exhibited ability or preparation to lead a university into a more and more challenging future for education.

[Midtowner]

I think a lot of profs are trying to make the job seem different. While the last two Presidents came from academia, that is not what the UCO gig typically is. It's a job given to politicians by other politiicans to take the appointee out of the political game. We've had some pretty good guys in the gig, Roger Webb and George Nigh to name a couple.

The deal is done. I hope everyone gets together and plans a path forward rather than trying to trying to cast Lamb as Prof. Umbrage and UCO's as Hogwarts.