“In a way, I have to say that the so-called arms race is understandable but it’s out of perspective,” he said. “I think Oregon, Ohio State, Alabama, all the schools that are building more and more facilities, all of that is a little overboard in terms of what the mission of a university’s athletic department ought to be.
Whoops, that should read *former* athletic director. Why do these guys suddenly get honest and courageous *after* they’ve retired?
And while we’re on regrets, thanks to a commenter for this story about former Miami University President James Garland, now having second thoughts about his efforts to move his public university towards a high tuition, high student amenities model aimed at rich kids. Also see this ODE opinion piece by UO student Kevin Sullivan: Student debt hits $1 trillion — Gottfredson should take a pay cut. And while we’re on opinions, here’s one by UO student Ryan Mills, arguing Gottfredson should end the ban on campus smoking and let noted tobacco attorneys Frohnmayer and Rudnick back on campus. OK, just kidding about that last part. How about a compromise, allowing e-cigarettes?
Speaking of higher ed bigwigs getting courageous after they retire…
http://www.propublica.org/article/on-country-club-campuses-a-public-university-ex-president-shares-his-second
“I wish, though, that I had been more aware of what the long-term impact on academic rigor and academic standards was likely to be from this action [attracting upper middle class out of state students through spending money on leisure facilities rather than academics]. It wasn’t until later that I realized the cost.”
Now the RG is delving into history a weak re-write and why not? It’s cheap.
This particular AD didn’t have many fans during his tenure, to put it mildly, so why would anyone consider his weak, maybe regretful, opinion now? Sure, he’s old and grey … and .. so?