The Appalachian 01.16.14
We,
Appalachian State University’s student news source since 1934
Vol. 88, No. 26
as members of The Appalachian’s editorial board and students of Appalachian State University,
request an open search for the university’s next chancellor.
W
e ask the search committee for the new chancellor to re-
WE HAVE AN ALTERNATIVE
consider the decision for a closed search as the pool of ap-
We don’t ask that the search committee reveal every single candidate
plicants is narrowed. It is this board’s stance that public
for the chancellor position. Instead, we believe that when the commit-
figures as prominent as the head of a state-funded university should not
tee has trimmed the list of candidates to a final three candidates - or
be selected and appointed behind closed doors.
some comparable shortlist - they should let members of the university
The search committee voted Oct. 15 to hold a closed, or “confidential,”
meet them.
search for the next leader, manager and face of Appalachian State Uni-
Searches for faculty and other similar positions on campus are often
versity - a public institution - according to an article from University
open and these candidates are able to meet people they would work
News. The decision comes with the idea that a confidential search will
with in many and varied departments and areas across campus.
draw highly qualified candidates from their current leadership roles.
We cannot see a truly valid reason that the search for an administra-
We believe this decision is the wrong way to go about looking for this
tive position as important as chancellor should be kept quiet from the
university’s next chancellor. The next chancellor should have a chance
campus and community, especially at a public, state-funded institution.
to see this university and meet students, faculty and staff prior to UNC
The discussion panels that have been held for students and faculty
system President Tom Ross’ final decision.
through the search committee allowed one-way communication as a
We do understand, to an extent, why the search is being carried out the way it is. It could cause a problem for word to get out that a candidate from another university is looking to leave his or her current post for Boone. But ultimately, the need for an open search outweighs the possible negative outcomes an open search could bring. WE’RE NOT ALONE Universities, both public and private, across the nation have conducted closed searches for chancellors or presidents, according to an article in the fall 2013 Student Press Law Center Report. Many search committees and hired consultants for searches believe the privacy of a closed search will bring more candidates in confidence that word will not get
way for those groups to voice concerns and opinions in hopes the committee will take them into consideration. Emails were sent
“
We cannot see a truly valid reason that the search for an administrative position as important as chancellor should be kept quiet from the campus and community, especially at a public, statefunded institution.
out to students during winter break that included a link for them to give more feedback for the committee - and feedback was due Jan. 2. But those compromises fall short of the standard of transparency we truly need for a new chancellor at a prominent and influential institution of higher learning. WE CAN SET AN EXAMPLE We realize the committee will more than likely continue on the path they have chosen. As we publicly and openly urge them to keep the final candidates out of the dark with no assurance that they will take this into consideration, we stick by our stance. These closed searches are nothing new, and universities
out that they plan to leave their current job. The Univer-
across the nation will continue to conduct searches in con-
sity of Wyoming, Louisiana State University, Northern
fidential arrangements, both at private and public institu-
Illinois University and others have completed closed searches for their
tions, for reasons they believe are most beneficial to everyone.
next leader that resulted in legal action, media criticism and a premature resignation.
We hope that not only the students, faculty and community affected by university leaders of Appalachian will share our view, but that the
We disagree with this notion of privacy for the possibility of the afore-
same groups at other institutions will do the same. This trend will con-
mentioned cases and for the potential good an open search could have.
tinue as long as search committees and consultants feel assured and
Word getting out would tell the search committee more about the can-
safe that it can.
didate than they expected - for better or worse.
For the sake of the faculty, staff, students, alumni and community,
Out of these candidates we may never see, one of them will take the helm of Appalachian. They will be the voice for the university in Boone,
we ask the search committee to reconsider its lack of transparency and open the search when the final candidates have been selected.
in Chapel Hill and across the state.
With all of that in mind, why should these names be kept from us?
The search that led to Chancellor Kenneth Peacock was open, and it seemed to work well 10 years ago. Why can’t we see that again?
This person will one day be an open and public figure to us all, so why usher them into Appalachian in secrecy?
The Appalachian The Editorial Board
Joshua Farmer
Michael Bragg
Stephanie Sansoucy
Chelsey Fisher
Molly Cogburn
Cory Spiers
Colin Moore
Jackson Helms
Managing Editor
News Editor
Sports Editor
Editor-in-Chief
Chief Copy Editor
A&E Editor
Malik Rahili
Head of Production and Design
Photo Editor
Video Editor