Spring Break
Guest Column
Murano goes too far
By: Jim Callaway
Issue date: 6/9/09 Section: Opinion
I admit that I was concerned when Dr. Elsa Murano became president of Texas A&M University. Her latest performance evaluation shows that my concerns were justified. Some of her performance issues and problems clearly stand out:
Murano does not understand the role of the president of Texas A&M University. Somehow she seems to believe that the University president should support and assist faculty efforts to educate University students and conduct research.
Although I truly believe she meant well, Murano implemented misguided policies and programs, making an education at Texas A&M University available to Texas children of less fortunate economic circumstances. Doesn't she realize that this will result in even more student admission based on academic qualifications instead of parents' income and past support of the University? Just what does she think that A&M is? A public school?
Murano seems to think that the president, and the University, should engage in meaningful dialogue with its students - some sort of diabolical two-way communication that could blend the best perspectives of our youth and their mentors. This concept threatens the University's ever-important status quo.
Murano dares to point out that the University loaned $16 million to the athletic department. Even worse, she revealed that this loan has not been repaid. Texas A&M University is a public university, a division of the state of Texas. Its revenues are public funds. What does she expect the University to do with public revenues? Something frivolous I'm sure, like slowing the steady increase in student tuition and fees.
Traditions are important at A&M. The University has a long-standing tradition of institutional arrogance and indifference towards its "paying customer" students. Clearly, she is plotting to improve Texas A&M University to the benefit of those students without regard to that tradition. That is just so wrong on so many levels. If she is not stopped, and stopped soon, Texas A&M may begin a progression along the slippery pathway to excellence.
Dr. Murano, you are responsible for large sums of public funds. You will not succeed as president of Texas A&M University if you continue to buck the system and squander public funds on students, faculty, critical facilities, education and research.
Highway 6 runs both ways, Elsa. Better get with the program, and soon. It's not too late. You, too, can become a good-ole-boy of great self-importance.
Jim Callaway is Class of 1975.
Murano does not understand the role of the president of Texas A&M University. Somehow she seems to believe that the University president should support and assist faculty efforts to educate University students and conduct research.
Although I truly believe she meant well, Murano implemented misguided policies and programs, making an education at Texas A&M University available to Texas children of less fortunate economic circumstances. Doesn't she realize that this will result in even more student admission based on academic qualifications instead of parents' income and past support of the University? Just what does she think that A&M is? A public school?
Murano seems to think that the president, and the University, should engage in meaningful dialogue with its students - some sort of diabolical two-way communication that could blend the best perspectives of our youth and their mentors. This concept threatens the University's ever-important status quo.
Murano dares to point out that the University loaned $16 million to the athletic department. Even worse, she revealed that this loan has not been repaid. Texas A&M University is a public university, a division of the state of Texas. Its revenues are public funds. What does she expect the University to do with public revenues? Something frivolous I'm sure, like slowing the steady increase in student tuition and fees.
Traditions are important at A&M. The University has a long-standing tradition of institutional arrogance and indifference towards its "paying customer" students. Clearly, she is plotting to improve Texas A&M University to the benefit of those students without regard to that tradition. That is just so wrong on so many levels. If she is not stopped, and stopped soon, Texas A&M may begin a progression along the slippery pathway to excellence.
Dr. Murano, you are responsible for large sums of public funds. You will not succeed as president of Texas A&M University if you continue to buck the system and squander public funds on students, faculty, critical facilities, education and research.
Highway 6 runs both ways, Elsa. Better get with the program, and soon. It's not too late. You, too, can become a good-ole-boy of great self-importance.
Jim Callaway is Class of 1975.
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