Report: MSU to appoint current deputy AD Greg Ianni as interim AD
Warning: Freep Link
It's incredible how tone deaf this leadership still is. To replace their ousted AD they are appointing the current deputy AD who is an alum and has 2 children alum, one a forner volleyball player and one a former basketball player.
Also MSU's faculty steering committee is planning to hold a vote of No Confidence in the BOT if Engler is named interim president. At least some people at MSU get it.
Relevant comment from MSU Associate Dean Rob Loduca:
"Should the Board indeed appoint ex-Governor Engler we will sadly be forced to bring a motion to hold a vote of No Confidence in the Board of Trustees to Academic Congress via electronic ballot. If this motion for a vote passes, a vote of No Confidence in the Board of Trustees will be held at the next Faculty Senate meeting. If that vote of No Confidence passes, we will call on the entire Board of Trustees to resign immediately."
Link to reddit comment with full letter from MSU steering committee
January 31st, 2018 at 5:07 PM ^
I'm a little surprised by this board's surprise about this decision. I really don't know what their alternative is / was.
Note, this is an interim title, which - dear god - I hope he's not even in the contention for the official role. I have no idea how many winter sports MSU has, but someone needs to make sure that those are at minimum still working. Usually, Associate ADs play a mini-COO role, which is kind of perfect for the interim position. Basically, don't screw anything up; keep the doors open and the lights on.
You also have to remember MSU does not have a President either! And - again - interims aren't really responsible for promoting / elevating staff and making critical staffing decisions. They are simply there to make sure day-to-day operations continue.
(Did I mention I love Hackett)
Having said all that, I hope MSU gets their shit together really fast and identifies a new President who can come in and help address this mess. Interestingly, politics aside, I was just reading that Cecil Richards, the CEO of Planned Parenthood, is planning to retire. She might be an interesting short-term hire, even if it was to "help MSU weather the storm," assuming she could surround herself with good academia folks. Also, my sense is she wants to run for politics soon; so, win-win?!
January 31st, 2018 at 5:11 PM ^
As I said above, the alternative is to have a competent BOT who started prepping for this scenario when the calls for Simon and Hollis' heads started happening two weeks ago. Then you can appoint someone not directly linked to the potentially dysfunctional and enabling current administration leading you in the short term.
Now they clearly don't have a competent BOT, but that shouldn't excuse this terrible decision. It's just another sign of their complete and total lack of tact and good decision making abilities.
January 31st, 2018 at 5:15 PM ^
In a normal situation, I would 100% agree with you. And - yes - what you outline is absolutely the most appropriate course of action.
However, I just read Brian's breakdown on the front page of all the MSU transgressions over the past several yeas as well as a brief summary of their board. I would argue MSU's current board composition simply cannot meet your "competence" requirement.
My point - possibly poorly worded - is based on all the facts on the table about the MSU situation as well as understanding who the key players are and their own personal interests...this decision does not surprise me at all. It's a very MSU-centric decision.
January 31st, 2018 at 5:25 PM ^
I'm not saying this decision is surprising. It falls right within my expectations for MSU's BOT. But if I have low expectations for someone, especially someone whose position demands a high level of competency, when they meet those low expectations that doesn't make it okay. They still deserved to be lambasted for their shitty decision even though it makes sense considering their previous decisions.
January 31st, 2018 at 5:14 PM ^
I had the pleasure of meeting Anthony Ianni at a recent fundraiser. Got to know him a little and have corresponded since. I found him to be a great guy with an incredible story. He has overcome quite a bit to acheive what he has.
Don't know Greg at all, but he raised a son that I would be proud of.
January 31st, 2018 at 8:36 PM ^
when Greg was a senior. I was a physical education major and I had many interactions with him through his participation in sports (he was a star quarterback and their top player on their basketball team). I respected him as a person. I haven't had any contact with him since then but I also read the story of Anthony and was also impressed. I hope that he is given a fair chance to oversee the athletic department.
January 31st, 2018 at 5:18 PM ^
this scream of Incest and tone deafness?
January 31st, 2018 at 5:37 PM ^
January 31st, 2018 at 6:29 PM ^
January 31st, 2018 at 5:30 PM ^
A natural choice for an interim position. I don't know what you could possibly be mad about.
January 31st, 2018 at 5:30 PM ^
A natural choice for an interim position. I don't know what you could possibly be mad about.
January 31st, 2018 at 5:32 PM ^
" If that vote of No Confidence passes, we will call on the entire Board of Trustees to resign immediately"
You can call for it all you want. Based on the arrogance shown by the board I doubt any of them will care one bit.