Medical college dean appointed behind closed doors
Dr. Ernest L. Yoder was named the founding dean of Central Michigan University’s College of Medicine on Tuesday, surprising everyone across campus.
Where were the open forums? And a public announcement?
The only notification came from the university’s Web site.
Students, faculty and campus staff should have had the chance to meet the dean before he was appointed.
University officials have once again made a major decision without the input of the CMU community.
Former prospective dean Cam Enarson held an open forum last semester, addressing the public on his vision for the College of Medicine.
Although he ultimately chose not to fill the dean’s position when offered the job, the public at least had a glimpse of his vision ahead of time.
Beyond the press release, Yoder is virtually a complete stranger to students and faculty.
Sadly, this fits CMU’s track record of filling important positions on campus.
University President George Ross and football coach Dan Enos, two of the university’s highest-paid officials, were hired in private — without the input of students or faculty.
Interim president Kathy Wilbur mentioned transparency as a point of focus at the last budget forum.
It seems the university dropped that ball quickly. Hiring Yoder in private doesn’t fit her claim.
Yoder’s base pay is $385,000 a year with the opportunity to earn up to $150,000 in incentives.
This means the dean makes more than anyone else on campus, surpassing University President George Ross’ $350,000 salary and Enos’ $250,000 salary.
Since Yoder’s salary will be paid through tuition dollars, students deserve more information regarding finalists.
Opportunity for input fell by the wayside.
Officials said an open forum was not held because it is standard protocol for medical school deans to be hired in private.
Most candidates work for another employer and don’t want them to know they are looking into another job.
Why, then, were forums scheduled for the two previous finalists who dropped out before coming to campus?
There may be nothing the CMU community can do now that Yoder is appointed, but he should still hold an open forum before he takes over June 1.
He will begin working with interim dean Cam Enarson before assuming the position.
Sharing his vision for the college will help build a little more trust with the public.
As for the administration, the lack of transparency is getting old.
If university officials want more involvement from the campus community, they should keep important issues on the table instead of making big decisions behind closed doors.
How can students speak up if they are left in the dark?
