My sources tell me that the Board of Trustees by giving him a two-year contract wanted to make it clear that he wasn't just a "caretaker." They expect him to make meaningful and needed changes. They also are definitely not giving him the title of "interim president," which Harry Crewson was pinned with but which was later officially removed from his title. I knew Dr. Crewson. He was a neighbor when I grew up in Athens. One time in later years I was a guest in his home, and I referred to his presidency as "interim." Big mistake! He bristled at my statement and told me in no uncertain terms that he was not an "interim president." I then found out that though that was how his appointment was initially announced that university records now show him simply as president, not interim president. Semantics, maybe, but to Harry it was an important distinction. Though his term was short, he made meaningful changes and had the full authority of president while he held the office. Let us hope that Dr. Sherman does as well. And, I believe if the university begins to prosper again under his leadership that it's possible he might have his contracted extended to a longer, more typical term. The Trustees are not going to drop him if he appears to be the best person to guide our ship of state. The Trustees appear to be open to several different scenarios depending on how things unfold. Stay tuned . . . I think in terms of Alma Mater we live in interesting times.
Finally, I agree with my friend rpbobcat that kicking Nellis to the curb was the necessary first step in righting the ship. The jury is, obviously, still out on Sherman, but I'm cautiously optimistic that he will be the right person at the right time.
Last Edited: 5/28/2021 11:05:25 PM by OhioCatFan