As a alum of Wesleyan, I received an email today announcing that President Michael Roth has entered into a contract with the University which will keep him in office until at least 2018.
In the email, Joshua Boger '73, chair of Wesleyan's Board of Trustees, confirmed that the Board had pursued a long-term contract with Roth over the past year. Boger cites increases in grants for financial aid, faculty scholarship and the launch of academic initiatives around prison education, civic engagement and environmental stewardship as examples of Roth's successful leadership.
There's no pretense of objectivity on my part - overall, I think Roth has been great for Wesleyan. Not to get all Red & Black about it, but I thought the best part of the email was the description of Wesleyan's aspiration to offer "a superb education in the liberal arts that is characterized by boldness, rigor, and practical idealism." That made me proud.
Go Wes.
Sure but he has done nothing for Middletown like President Bennet did. There is relative stability downtown, so Weslyan could care less about downtown. Sad but true.
ReplyDeleteThey should be doing something about Forest City Cleaners, they have the money and it effects them more than anyone.
Thanks, Jen. I think I liked this post much better than the one over at Wesleying where President Roth is variously portrayed as the man who wants to take away Wesleyan's weirdness, fraternities and circular glass buildings. I'm just thankful that he and Josh have found their groove and are making a great team. Maybe, they can even fix the situation at Forest City Cleaners.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I hear from faculty and others, Wesleyan is speeding downhill toward a crash with financial unsustainability, and Roth is oblivious. Also, more and more money is being directed toward creature comforts (better student union, bigger athletic center, etc.) for students and less toward academics. Does anyone really believe that liberal arts country clubs for $50k/year are going to be the way of the future? Though I can't reveal my name here, I confess that I went to a liberal arts country club myself. And what about "environmental stewardship"? Notice the tons of fertlizer and pesticides they broadcast all over the lawns and sidewalks up there, most of which ends up in the river. Roth is an impressive guy, but he's an egomaniac and some of those who were very close to him at the start of his tenure are not impressed with his peformance in the job.
ReplyDeleteCan someone explain why the trustees of Wesleyan would give Roth a contract to remain as President until 2018? And why would they grant him an at-large tenured faculty position when no department wanted him? For some reason, Roth is getting everything that serves Roth's interests. What's going on here? How did this guy get so much power to feather his own nest, regardless of his performance. Is he that great? Even if he is, why this special treatment. Do other colleges gives Presidents such contracts?
ReplyDeleteFor the everyday citizen of Middletown( ie: non insiders) Mr.Roth has had no impact.The institution continues to distance itself from the Middletown community.Recent Wesleyan Presidents spend more time off campus than on due to commitments( fundraising)and second tier folks do not demonstrate an interest.Last I knew town/gown relations are not part of the college ratings.
ReplyDeleteSome of these commentators must be outsiders trying to undermine the Middletown community. Wesleyan is a good Citizen! If the standard is that they should spend all of their time on local issues then they fall short, but that misses the point. What they bring is a premier academic institution which is located in town. This brings opportunity and resources to the community - Roth is a leader that has the confidence of his board of directors- they are not likely to extend a contract for their Alma mater if they felt he would not continue to add value. All Wes Presidents have had difficulty finding their footing in town - Roth will find the right mix that reflects community need and Wesleyan ability
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