"....The Board is about to approve another McPhee 3 year extension through 2026. Board Exec Committee meeting from 3/15 linked herein: discussion starts at 8:35..."
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I know I’m in the minority, and also new, but looking at this at a higher level I think McPhee has done decent. I don’t have the bias that a lot of posters here have but he seems to have done well in getting new facilities on campus and is improving academically (slightly). I can see being upset about the athletics being put on the backburner, the law school (from an outsider it seems the State was the hurdle and having law schools in Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville seems like overkill for the population) plus the name change. I just think a lot of people are unhappy because of his moral ethics and his unwillingness to invest in the athletic department. This is just my two cents from an outsider that is looking objectively at the situation. I think overall he hasn’t been doom and gloom but he does have areas he could/should improve in.
I know I’m in the minority, and also new, but looking at this at a higher level I think McPhee has done decent. I don’t have the bias that a lot of posters here have but he seems to have done well in getting new facilities on campus and is improving academically (slightly). I can see being upset about the athletics being put on the backburner, the law school (from an outsider it seems the State was the hurdle and having law schools in Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville seems like overkill for the population) plus the name change. I just think a lot of people are unhappy because of his moral ethics and his unwillingness to invest in the athletic department. This is just my two cents from an outsider that is looking objectively at the situation. I think overall he hasn’t been doom and gloom but he does have areas he could/should improve in.
University presidents these days are not exactly brave and McPhee is just like the rest. 99% percent are cowards. However, he is also incompetent. That's where I have an issue with him still being here. There is no accountability at any level at MT. The Board, the president, AD, football coach no where. It's disgusting.We do have the issues you mentioned. And yes, I can see from a certain perspective he has done well. But my, and many others, issue stems from him being a "yes" man.
I want a President that has the political clout to get a law school here. One that kisses butts but also isn't afraid to tell someone to shove it. Someone that yes places athletics high, because it will raise academics. Someone that doesn't just show up for the picture and say all the right things, but someone who isn't afraid to buck the status quo.
He keeps getting extensions because he does exactly what they (ie Steve Smith) want.
I don't have a huge complaint about McPhee the academic. He's done mostly good work on the academic side (still think the name should change).
I don't have a huge complaint about McPhee the academic. He's done mostly good work on the academic side (still think the name should change).
McPhee doesn't seem to understand athletics - every part of athletics - is the front porch to your university. Good facilities & succesful revenue sports make enrollment management much easier.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong but we are now designated a Carnegie R2 (High Research Activity) school.
Great, but IIRC both TSU and TTU achieved this designation years earlier, and also; again IIRC, several of our so-called peer institutions including several in our athletic conference have achieved being designated the more exclusive R1 (Very High Research Activity).
Yes, it's great that MTsU is moving up and getting some recognition but I don't consider it a "massive" or "amazing" accomplishment.
That said, I do realize that you do what you can to "toot your own horn" and bring whatever prestige you can to your school. However, few high-achieving, competitive students in the know who are looking for a school to attend will be impressed by the R2 designation.
Exactly. It’s commendable for MT to earn a R2 designation from Carnegie; however, the University of Tennessee, University of North Texas, University of Memphis (fairly recently promoted to R1) , and Vanderbilt University have earned R1 designation being the very top tier. Having a Law School, Dentistry, or Vet School would help in establishing credibility towards the next level along with more terminal degree/doctoral programs. Research dollars and grants are the lifeblood of academic programs and funding chairs of excellence are vital in attaining acclaimed faculty that make a university national and international in relevance. With this designation, MT kept pace with the Tenn. Tech’s and Louisiana Tech’s of the world…I look at this more as maintaining our reputation as a strong regional university as we go deeper into the third decade of the 21st century rather than a milestone achievement in academia. The university faces brisk competition for students and faculty especially valedictorians and top 5-10% and those faculties that have industry expertise. R1 academics should be our ultimate goal in the coming decade, but funding and political priorities will likely be our big roadblock in achieving by our 125th anniversary.Someone correct me if I'm wrong but we are now designated a Carnegie R2 (High Research Activity) school.
Great, but IIRC both TSU and TTU achieved this designation years earlier, and also;
again IIRC, several of our so-called peer institutions including several in our athletic conference have achieved being designated the more exclusive R1 (Very High Research Activity).
Yes, it's great that MTsU is moving up and getting some recognition but I don't consider it a "massive" or "amazing" accomplishment.
That said, I do realize that you do what you can to "toot your own horn" and bring whatever prestige you can to your school. However, few high-achieving, competitive students in the know who are looking for a school to attend will be impressed by the R2 designation.
And the beat goes on......He was extended yesterday. Through 2026.
MTSU Board of Trustees OKs extension of McPhee’s contract through 2026
Middle Tennessee State University’s Board of Trustees voted Tuesday, April 5, to extend President Sidney A. McPhee’s contract through 2026. McPhee has led MTSU through an extended period of academi…mtsunews.com
Thank goodness I have other options.And the beat goes on......