That makes sense, but it partially puts a damper on flight watching. Though there are some pretty cool companies/cities flying in and out of Nac.

Closed session meeting today.

http://www.sfasu.edu/sites/default/files/2019-06/agenda-06.29.2019.pdf

SFAJack_76 said:

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Closed session meeting today.

http://www.sfasu.edu/sites/default/files/2019-06/agenda-06.29.2019.pdf

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Ooh, somebody let Nacluth know that we need his ninja skills to infiltrate the air vents & gather intel.

On it.

SFAJack_76 said:

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Closed session meeting today.

http://www.sfasu.edu/sites/default/files/2019-06/agenda-06.29.2019.pdf

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I'd guess this is a pairing down of the candidates list, or a go ahead to move forward with more in-depth interviews?

TallTexan said:

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SFAJack_76 said:

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Closed session meeting today.

http://www.sfasu.edu/sites/default/files/2019-06/agenda-06.29.2019.pdf

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I'd guess this is a pairing down of the candidates list, or a go ahead to move forward with more in-depth interviews?

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Given the original timeline, I suspect it is both. A cut to the top three to four, with plans for in-depth interviews of those.

SFAJack_76 said:

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TallTexan said:

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SFAJack_76 said:

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Closed session meeting today.

http://www.sfasu.edu/sites/default/files/2019-06/agenda-06.29.2019.pdf

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I'd guess this is a pairing down of the candidates list, or a go ahead to move forward with more in-depth interviews?

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Given the original timeline, I suspect it is both. A cut to the top three to four, with plans for in-depth interviews of those.

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I'll keep a diligent eye on the flight tracker.

Nothing unusual on the flight tracker the past two weeks.

I'm surprised that there hasn't been ANY information at all that gives us any idea of what direction they are going. I was hoping to see a finalist list soon.

There was a flight, on a super small plane this morning from Fort Smith Arkansas. The president there just started last week, so we're definitely not getting her, but I'm sharing her profile because she has exactly the type of background we need.

https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2019/apr/17/uafs-chancellor-pick-named-20190417/

BigJack85 said:

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I'm surprised that there hasn't been ANY information at all that gives us any idea of what direction they are going. I was hoping to see a finalist list soon.

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Also worth noting that UAFS released a Top Candidate List of the finalists. Wish SFA would do the same when they have a list & visits confirmed.

TallTexan said:

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There was a flight, on a super small plane this morning from Fort Smith Arkansas. The president there just started last week, so we're definitely not getting her, but I'm sharing her profile because she has exactly the type of background we need.

https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2019/apr/17/uafs-chancellor-pick-named-20190417/

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I'll offer a rebuttal. The lady has a good background and sounds like a team player with solid political instincts (see part about joining the chamber of commerce). But... I would like to see some of the background and political instincts coupled with a proven ability to build stem programs and grow enrollment. SFA is close enough to a "Doctoral - Moderate Research Activity" category to be a real good landing spot for a Dean of Engineering at a bigger school to come to SFA and really transform the STEM side of the university.

I dont doubt that we need some of the skills the new chancellor at UAFS has demonstrated but I believe a more science centered academic leader would help at this time.

SPecial called meeting July 19-20 and the only thing on the agenda for both days is Presidential search.. Then on july 21-23 during a regular meeting they will name a finalist I would think... I will look at the agenda and such tonight becasue it is 616 pages and i dont have that much time to ready right now...

It is disappointing that we haven't seen the list yet. I get that it shows their hand a little and theoretically lessens their negotiation position but didn't they say from the onset that they would let everyone know the progress?

Typical SFA behavior. Not surprised. This is why I hope they go with an outsider.

Perhaps a contrarian opinion, but I don't see value in releasing any names at this stage of the process.

I think they should announce finalists, IMO.

Jacks4460 said:

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SPecial called meeting July 19-20 and the only thing on the agenda for both days is Presidential search.. Then on july 21-23 during a regular meeting they will name a finalist I would think... I will look at the agenda and such tonight becasue it is 616 pages and i dont have that much time to ready right now...

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Here is the link to the special called meeting. Note that it is taking place at the IAH Marriott. Two 13 hour days of executive session scheduled. That implies to me that one or more candidates are being interviewed. Perhaps you recall that Ivey interviewed the football HC finalists in Houston.

http://www.sfasu.edu/sites/default/files/2019-07/bor-agenda-07.19-20.2019.pdf

Jacks4460 said:

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SPecial called meeting July 19-20 and the only thing on the agenda for both days is Presidential search.. Then on july 21-23 during a regular meeting they will name a finalist I would think... I will look at the agenda and such tonight becasue it is 616 pages and i dont have that much time to ready right now...

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Link to all 616.

http://www.sfasu.edu/sites/default/files/2019-07/bor-report-07.21-23.2019.pdf

BigJack85 said:

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TallTexan said:

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There was a flight, on a super small plane this morning from Fort Smith Arkansas. The president there just started last week, so we're definitely not getting her, but I'm sharing her profile because she has exactly the type of background we need.

https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2019/apr/17/uafs-chancellor-pick-named-20190417/

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I'll offer a rebuttal. The lady has a good background and sounds like a team player with solid political instincts (see part about joining the chamber of commerce). But... I would like to see some of the background and political instincts coupled with a proven ability to build stem programs and grow enrollment. SFA is close enough to a "Doctoral - Moderate Research Activity" category to be a real good landing spot for a Dean of Engineering at a bigger school to come to SFA and really transform the STEM side of the university.

I dont doubt that we need some of the skills the new chancellor at UAFS has demonstrated but I believe a more science centered academic leader would help at this time.

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I still think the top candidate in this respect is the Provost at UT Dallas. Atleast on paper.

SFAJack_76 said:

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Jacks4460 said:

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SPecial called meeting July 19-20 and the only thing on the agenda for both days is Presidential search.. Then on july 21-23 during a regular meeting they will name a finalist I would think... I will look at the agenda and such tonight becasue it is 616 pages and i dont have that much time to ready right now...

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Here is the link to the special called meeting. Note that it is taking place at the IAH Marriott. Two 13 hour days of executive session scheduled. That implies to me that one or more candidates are being interviewed. Perhaps you recall that Ivey interviewed the football HC finalists in Houston.

http://www.sfasu.edu/sites/default/files/2019-07/bor-agenda-07.19-20.2019.pdf

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Makes sense, easier to get everyone to Houston than to Nac if you're doing multiple interviews.

Pilotgirl said:

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I think they should announce finalists, IMO.

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If they narrow it down to 5 or fewer, they definitely should release them.

And I'd hope that on campus visits follow. I really hope they go outside the system though. We need new ideas,big time.

I've heard the president has been selected. Wonder when the announcement will be.

From the EWU site:

Provost Scott Gordon
Dr. Gordon came to EWU in July 2016 after spending 22 years at the University of Southern Indiana, where he most recently served as the Dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering and Education.
As Provost, Dr. Gordon is the university's chief academic officer, with oversight of academic operations including: 135 areas of study, more than 500 faculty members in six academic colleges, the JFK Library, Academic Policy and Planning, Distance Education, International Programs, Institutional Research, and Grants and Contracts.
A first-generation college student himself, Dr. Gordon's commitment to students aligns with EWU's vision for student success.

From USI:

University of Southern Indiana President H. Ray Hoops has appointed Dr. Scott A. Gordon, associate professor of biology in the Pott School of Science and Engineering Technology, to the position of Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).
The FAR is a member of an institution's faculty or administrative staff who is designated by the institution's chief executive officer to represent the University and its faculty in the University's relationship with the NCAA and the GLVC. Gordon also will be the chair of the Athletic Advisory Council at USI.
In addition to being a member of the USI biology faculty since 1994, Gordon is the program coordinator for the USI Presidential Scholarship program and the assistant director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE).
In the Presidential Scholarship program, Gordon is responsible for all aspects of the recruitment, selection, interviewing, advising, scheduling, and orientation of more than 40 Presidential Scholars. These students are the top students from throughout the state of Indiana who are admitted to USI. The CTLE program assists teaching professionals in acquiring and disseminating grant monies for teaching and learning purposes, providing teaching and related workshops for new and continuing faculty, and developing faculty development activities.
Gordon began his career in education at State University of New York College at Cortland, where he earned a bachelor's degree in biology in 1988 and lettered as a member of the swim team.
The native of Malone, New York, continued his education and involvement in athletics at the University of Tennessee. He earned a master's degree in Botany/Mycology (the study of plant life/the study of fungi) in 1990 while working as a tutor for the UT Athletic Department, dealing with football, women's tennis, and swimming.
In 1994, Gordon completed his doctoral degree in biology at Tennessee.
"Dr. Scott Gordon has a distinguished history as a faculty member at USI and as a member of the Evansville community," said USI President H. Ray Hoops. "He will continue the fine tradition of Faculty Athletic Representatives -- supporting athletics while assuring academic standards of the University are maintained."

http://www.thepinelog.com/news/article_6e3d1df6-ad66-11e9-afbf-4770099ba9d4.html

Well, definitely went that science route. Hmmmm time will tell. I have some friends that worked at EWU several yrs and just left. Think I will message them to see what they have to say about Gordon.

Pilotgirl said:

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Well, definitely went that science route. Hmmmm time will tell. I have some friends that worked at EWU several yrs and just left. Think I will message them to see what they have to say about Gordon.

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Nice. Let us know what you hear.

Will do!

Looks like a good pick to me. I support the STEM angle and hope he has the chops to develop that side of the university. Along with enrollment growth, I think developing a strong set of STEM programs is the best thing we can do for the university. We already have the "meager" beginnings of an engineering program. Maybe he will be the one to help build it out over the next 3 - 4 years. I think a reachable goal would be to have a full Mechanical Engineering program by 2023 (100 year anniversary). I would also like to see if he puts more focus on developing a stronger Environmental Science program at the post-graduate level. Specifically I'd like to see some kind of Doctorate in Natural Science attached to Environmental Science. Maybe it only boosts our Doctoral enrollment 8 - 10 students a year but that could catch fire and take off.

https://www.helixeducation.com/resources/enrollment-growth-university/microsoft-new-program-eastern-washington-university-dr-scott-gordon/

This is pretty interesting. I like what I've read about Dr. Gordon so far.

SfaFan15 said:

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https://www.helixeducation.com/resources/enrollment-growth-university/microsoft-new-program-eastern-washington-university-dr-scott-gordon/

This is pretty interesting. I like what I've read about Dr. Gordon so far.

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Good find. I would imagine this was something that was of real interest to the BOR.

On the 6:00 news, ktre said that Dr. Westbrook was one of the four that were interviewed in Houston. They also said that Dr. Childs was a candidate. The hiring team had an understanding that there was a broad desire to go outside.

https://www.ktre.com/2019/07/23/sfa-announces-lone-finalist-new-university-president/