Gearhart understands 'students first'
Like it is
Cody Kees
Issue date: 9/10/08 Section: Opinion
Anyone following the drama over the past summer at the University of Central Arkansas, concerning its former President Lu Hardin, might have been as baffled as I was to hear that the leader of a directional school would have the audacity to ask for a raise, considering the questionable terms under which he requested it.
A $300,000 bonus, plus a year sabbatical to tend to health needs, obviously did not fly with the faculty. Is there any wonder that recently he announced his "retirement?"
Now, I have neither the time nor the inclination to speak ill toward UCA, but in the words of Bill O'Reilly, that was a "pinheaded move!"
The negative publicity experienced by a neighboring school truly makes one reflect on the status of our new chancellor, G. David Gearhart.
For starters, our top post pays less than Hardin's ending compensation package by almost $150,000, as listed by The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. And we are talking about our chancellor, a man who has reached the benchmark in occupational achievement by raising $1 billion dollars in donations for our beloved UA.
This piece is not about getting Gearhart a raise, but if anyone deserves a $300,000 bonus, it would be him, especially when you consider not just the money he has raised, but also the intense managerial task of overseeing an institution of our size and the monumental scrutiny that accompanies it.
I encourage all students to notice the lapel of an administrator's jacket as he or she walks by. The pin will say "Students First." It is the new motto of Gearhart's efforts, and it entails more than just better food in Brough Commons and bigger dorm rooms.
It is a revolutionary idea where all decisions made at this university will be made in the students' best interest. It is refreshing to see students in the forefront of a new administration.
Angry letters to the editor might one day cease to exist as our campus becomes one where students have input at the highest level and all decisions will be made in our interest. It is refreshing to know that we have a say in our future.
A $300,000 bonus, plus a year sabbatical to tend to health needs, obviously did not fly with the faculty. Is there any wonder that recently he announced his "retirement?"
Now, I have neither the time nor the inclination to speak ill toward UCA, but in the words of Bill O'Reilly, that was a "pinheaded move!"
The negative publicity experienced by a neighboring school truly makes one reflect on the status of our new chancellor, G. David Gearhart.
For starters, our top post pays less than Hardin's ending compensation package by almost $150,000, as listed by The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. And we are talking about our chancellor, a man who has reached the benchmark in occupational achievement by raising $1 billion dollars in donations for our beloved UA.
This piece is not about getting Gearhart a raise, but if anyone deserves a $300,000 bonus, it would be him, especially when you consider not just the money he has raised, but also the intense managerial task of overseeing an institution of our size and the monumental scrutiny that accompanies it.
I encourage all students to notice the lapel of an administrator's jacket as he or she walks by. The pin will say "Students First." It is the new motto of Gearhart's efforts, and it entails more than just better food in Brough Commons and bigger dorm rooms.
It is a revolutionary idea where all decisions made at this university will be made in the students' best interest. It is refreshing to see students in the forefront of a new administration.
Angry letters to the editor might one day cease to exist as our campus becomes one where students have input at the highest level and all decisions will be made in our interest. It is refreshing to know that we have a say in our future.
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