In the May 18 article about the new interim president for Rochester Community and Technical College, the Post-Bulletin has again included the quote from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor Steven Rosenstone, saying "We have learned from the search firm that last fall's high profile Internet and media campaign to oust the president deterred many prospective candidates," thus giving rise to the need for yet another interim president.
This statement is simply disrespectful of the faculty and staff of the college. The blame should be placed on Rosenstone's shoulders. He himself says that "One of the most important responsibilities of the chancellor is formulating recommendations of individuals to serve as presidents of our state colleges and universities. I take this responsibility very seriously."
Judging by RCTC's experience, he is bad at this. The search in 2012-2013 to replace President Don Supalla failed, and RCTC got its first interim president, Dr. Gail O'Kane. Then the search in 2013-2014 yielded Dr. Leslie McClellon, who resigned after 18 months and was replaced by interim No. 2, Joyce Helens.
Now the search conducted in 2016 failed and interim No. 3, Mary Davenport, has been appointed. My interpretation of the pattern visible here is that the search process overseen by Chancellor Rosenstone is faulty.
Barbara Beck
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Rochester
