(02-03-2016 12:42 PM)Bogey Wrote:  

(02-02-2016 09:50 PM)Dukes2Space Wrote:  This whole thing in itself isn't really a big deal to me. If he's on some committee that is never going to do anything actionable, which is what he does for a living, whatever. I just hope he's gone soon. He's just not good for JMU IMO. We really need someone who is going to do things aggressively and move the needle on the endowment and giving and that's just not happening at the pace it should be. I'm sure someone will bring up percentage increases that look good but it was so poor to begin with but a respectable percentage increase on an embarrassingly low number to begin with is not good enough. It's like getting a 20% increase in your annual raise at work when you make $20/hr.

It was pretty actionable when he shot down the sun belt. It was pretty actionable when he hired his "boy Friday" to be in charge of fund raising. He will be pretty actionable if he shoots down the coa. And looking at the bigger picture he is probably not going anywhere. Alger may have some shortcomings but ultimately he is kind of a nice guy. With a couple of exceptions most of the BOV don't see a move to FBS in quite the same way as most of this board. As long as publications continue to view JMU favorably, cowboy Jon is not going to be asked to leave. And here is the most bitter pill of all, in academia the dead weight never gets a better offer to go work somewhere else.

Johnboy is papa Funkhouser's puppet. If you want to know where the power lies, look no further.

(02-03-2016 12:46 PM)JMU2004 Wrote:  

(02-03-2016 12:42 PM)Bogey Wrote:  

(02-02-2016 09:50 PM)Dukes2Space Wrote:  This whole thing in itself isn't really a big deal to me. If he's on some committee that is never going to do anything actionable, which is what he does for a living, whatever. I just hope he's gone soon. He's just not good for JMU IMO. We really need someone who is going to do things aggressively and move the needle on the endowment and giving and that's just not happening at the pace it should be. I'm sure someone will bring up percentage increases that look good but it was so poor to begin with but a respectable percentage increase on an embarrassingly low number to begin with is not good enough. It's like getting a 20% increase in your annual raise at work when you make $20/hr.

It was pretty actionable when he shot down the sun belt. It was pretty actionable when he hired his "boy Friday" to be in charge of fund raising. He will be pretty actionable if he shoots down the coa. And looking at the bigger picture he is probably not going anywhere. Alger may have some shortcomings but ultimately he is kind of a nice guy. With a couple of exceptions most of the BOV don't see a move to FBS in quite the same way as most of this board. As long as publications continue to view JMU favorably, cowboy Jon is not going to be asked to leave. And here is the most bitter pill of all, in academia the dead weight never gets a better offer to go work somewhere else.

Johnboy is papa Funkhouser's puppet. If you want to know where the power lies, look no further.

Holy crap - just looked at the BOV list and there are 15+ members!

That's twice as big as it should be. In corporate governance it's well known that anything bigger than 5-7 board members results in gridlock and rubber stamping of whatever the CEO wants, unless there is a ton of outside pressure to fix something.

(02-03-2016 01:05 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  

(02-03-2016 12:46 PM)JMU2004 Wrote:  

(02-03-2016 12:42 PM)Bogey Wrote:  

(02-02-2016 09:50 PM)Dukes2Space Wrote:  This whole thing in itself isn't really a big deal to me. If he's on some committee that is never going to do anything actionable, which is what he does for a living, whatever. I just hope he's gone soon. He's just not good for JMU IMO. We really need someone who is going to do things aggressively and move the needle on the endowment and giving and that's just not happening at the pace it should be. I'm sure someone will bring up percentage increases that look good but it was so poor to begin with but a respectable percentage increase on an embarrassingly low number to begin with is not good enough. It's like getting a 20% increase in your annual raise at work when you make $20/hr.

It was pretty actionable when he shot down the sun belt. It was pretty actionable when he hired his "boy Friday" to be in charge of fund raising. He will be pretty actionable if he shoots down the coa. And looking at the bigger picture he is probably not going anywhere. Alger may have some shortcomings but ultimately he is kind of a nice guy. With a couple of exceptions most of the BOV don't see a move to FBS in quite the same way as most of this board. As long as publications continue to view JMU favorably, cowboy Jon is not going to be asked to leave. And here is the most bitter pill of all, in academia the dead weight never gets a better offer to go work somewhere else.

Johnboy is papa Funkhouser's puppet. If you want to know where the power lies, look no further.

Holy crap - just looked at the BOV list and there are 15+ members!

That's twice as big as it should be. In corporate governance it's well known that anything bigger than 5-7 board members results in gridlock and rubber stamping of whatever the CEO wants, unless there is a ton of outside pressure to fix something.

BOV memberships are political favors these days.

For better or for worse, a BOV isn't intended to be a governing body in the same manner as a city council. And yes, appointments are often based on politics, large financial contributions, and similar issues that have little to do with knowledge of higher education. And every president who isn't in a coma serves on all kinds of panels, commissions, etc. - just part of the job. Uncle Ron took an entire year off to serve as president of CIT.

(02-03-2016 01:22 PM)POTUS#4 Wrote:  For better or for worse, a BOV isn't intended to be a governing body in the same manner as a city council. And yes, appointments are often based on politics, large financial contributions, and similar issues that have little to do with knowledge of higher education. And every president who isn't in a coma serves on all kinds of panels, commissions, etc. - just part of the job. Uncle Ron took an entire year off to serve as president of CIT.

Of course a BOV is not meant to be like a city council, as stated above by 2004 it's very much like a board of directors.

(02-03-2016 02:00 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(02-03-2016 01:22 PM)POTUS#4 Wrote:  For better or for worse, a BOV isn't intended to be a governing body in the same manner as a city council. And yes, appointments are often based on politics, large financial contributions, and similar issues that have little to do with knowledge of higher education. And every president who isn't in a coma serves on all kinds of panels, commissions, etc. - just part of the job. Uncle Ron took an entire year off to serve as president of CIT.

Of course a BOV is not meant to be like a city council, as stated above by 2004 it's very much like a board of directors.

I don't see 2004's board of directors comment, but my remark was really directed towards JMURocks' comment about a large body serving as a rubber stamp. That describes a typical BOV pretty well - and I assume that's what's intended by the state.

(02-03-2016 12:08 AM)JMU1985 Wrote:  

(02-02-2016 02:11 PM)JMU_71 Wrote:  

(02-02-2016 01:26 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(02-01-2016 11:20 AM)JMU Wrote:  Damn, Alger loves his studies and research. Perfect for him. LOL. what a joke he is.

Yes, and...? Last time I checked that's what a university education is all about, and not pretending JMU is some kind of minor league farm system for the pros.

The only thing that's a "joke" is your comment.

FIFY

Well, another joke is the fact that a professor cannot spell education. Silly TU grads!

JMU71, I can hear Keyshawn Johnson and Chris Berman already, "C' mon Man". Your gonna focus on a typo?

No, it was in jest. I actually agree with what Longhorn said. Educational endeavors should be the primary concern of a college president.

What I will say is, from my far removed observational position, it appears that Alger is not the right fit. While I agree that COAs should never have been implemented, they are here to stay, so get in the game or you're hamstringing yourself. Second, the endowment is ridiculously low, increasing it should be a primary focus as well. He has not demonstrated leadership with regard to the endowment.

From an overall perspective, maybe leadership is there, but I'm not seeing it.

The presidential hire for JMU came at a critical time for this University.

The decision was a complete travesty, with consequences more grave than what Dean Keener did to the basketball program.

The whole situation is unspeakable.

(02-03-2016 05:04 PM)JMU_71 Wrote:  

(02-03-2016 12:08 AM)JMU1985 Wrote:  

(02-02-2016 02:11 PM)JMU_71 Wrote:  

(02-02-2016 01:26 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(02-01-2016 11:20 AM)JMU Wrote:  Damn, Alger loves his studies and research. Perfect for him. LOL. what a joke he is.

Yes, and...? Last time I checked that's what a university education is all about, and not pretending JMU is some kind of minor league farm system for the pros.

The only thing that's a "joke" is your comment.

FIFY

Well, another joke is the fact that a professor cannot spell education. Silly TU grads!

JMU71, I can hear Keyshawn Johnson and Chris Berman already, "C' mon Man". Your gonna focus on a typo?

No, it was in jest. I actually agree with what Longhorn said. Educational endeavors should be the primary concern of a college president.

What I will say is, from my far removed observational position, it appears that Alger is not the right fit. While I agree that COAs should never have been implemented, they are here to stay, so get in the game or you're hamstringing yourself. Second, the endowment is ridiculously low, increasing it should be a primary focus as well. He has not demonstrated leadership with regard to the endowment.

From an overall perspective, maybe leadership is there, but I'm not seeing it.

Fair enough. You are a concerned alum like me. I give to the academic side of the house each year and have for some time. I'm trying to be a part of the endowment solution. I'm grateful that I'm able to give back to JMU. Frankly, my experience is that unless I'm closely involved in a leadership effort and I have a thorough knowledge of all the facts, I feel like my opinion is weak at best. Yet, I want our institution to be a bedrock of what makes the USA great because our values will last well beyond our days. My oldest is a junior and my youngest was accepted early admission (yes, I'm a happy Dad of a great kid). I have a neutral opinion of our president. Sure, I'd like to go FBS too. Yet, I'll set my position early, I'd rather JMU be outstanding in academics and mediocre at FB 7 days a week and twice on Sunday (wait, we rest on Sunday). Oh yea, Uncle Ron set the bar, so, it is high.

(02-03-2016 05:38 PM)JMU1985 Wrote:  

(02-03-2016 05:04 PM)JMU_71 Wrote:  

(02-03-2016 12:08 AM)JMU1985 Wrote:  

(02-02-2016 02:11 PM)JMU_71 Wrote:  

(02-02-2016 01:26 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  Yes, and...? Last time I checked that's what a university education is all about, and not pretending JMU is some kind of minor league farm system for the pros.

The only thing that's a "joke" is your comment.

FIFY

Well, another joke is the fact that a professor cannot spell education. Silly TU grads!

JMU71, I can hear Keyshawn Johnson and Chris Berman already, "C' mon Man". Your gonna focus on a typo?

No, it was in jest. I actually agree with what Longhorn said. Educational endeavors should be the primary concern of a college president.

What I will say is, from my far removed observational position, it appears that Alger is not the right fit. While I agree that COAs should never have been implemented, they are here to stay, so get in the game or you're hamstringing yourself. Second, the endowment is ridiculously low, increasing it should be a primary focus as well. He has not demonstrated leadership with regard to the endowment.

From an overall perspective, maybe leadership is there, but I'm not seeing it.

Fair enough. You are a concerned alum like me. I give to the academic side of the house each year and have for some time. I'm trying to be a part of the endowment solution. I'm grateful that I'm able to give back to JMU. Frankly, my experience is that unless I'm closely involved in a leadership effort and I have a thorough knowledge of all the facts, I feel like my opinion is weak at best. Yet, I want our institution to be a bedrock of what makes the USA great because our values will last well beyond our days. My oldest is a junior and my youngest was accepted early admission (yes, I'm a happy Dad of a great kid). I have a neutral opinion of our president. Sure, I'd like to go FBS too. Yet, I'll set my position early, I'd rather JMU be outstanding in academics and mediocre at FB 7 days a week and twice on Sunday (wait, we rest on Sunday). Oh yea, Uncle Ron set the bar, so, it is high.

Well said. I talk regularly with professors in my former academic area. I see the education my kids are receiving at JMU. The demise of JMU is greatly exaggerated.

(02-03-2016 05:20 PM)Dukeman Wrote:  The presidential hire for JMU came at a critical time for this University.

The decision was a complete travesty, with consequences more grave than what Dean Keener did to the basketball program.

The whole situation is unspeakable.

Actually, Dillard was the one responsible, not Keener. Keener just made it even worse.
I will agree that they are comparable, though. Keener was meant to turn the ship around and sunk it instead.
At least the guy did something!

Oh and Keener was a much better hire than Alger.

(02-03-2016 05:48 PM)POTUS#4 Wrote:  

(02-03-2016 05:38 PM)JMU1985 Wrote:  

(02-03-2016 05:04 PM)JMU_71 Wrote:  

(02-03-2016 12:08 AM)JMU1985 Wrote:  

(02-02-2016 02:11 PM)JMU_71 Wrote:  FIFY

Well, another joke is the fact that a professor cannot spell education. Silly TU grads!

JMU71, I can hear Keyshawn Johnson and Chris Berman already, "C' mon Man". Your gonna focus on a typo?

No, it was in jest. I actually agree with what Longhorn said. Educational endeavors should be the primary concern of a college president.

What I will say is, from my far removed observational position, it appears that Alger is not the right fit. While I agree that COAs should never have been implemented, they are here to stay, so get in the game or you're hamstringing yourself. Second, the endowment is ridiculously low, increasing it should be a primary focus as well. He has not demonstrated leadership with regard to the endowment.

From an overall perspective, maybe leadership is there, but I'm not seeing it.

Fair enough. You are a concerned alum like me. I give to the academic side of the house each year and have for some time. I'm trying to be a part of the endowment solution. I'm grateful that I'm able to give back to JMU. Frankly, my experience is that unless I'm closely involved in a leadership effort and I have a thorough knowledge of all the facts, I feel like my opinion is weak at best. Yet, I want our institution to be a bedrock of what makes the USA great because our values will last well beyond our days. My oldest is a junior and my youngest was accepted early admission (yes, I'm a happy Dad of a great kid). I have a neutral opinion of our president. Sure, I'd like to go FBS too. Yet, I'll set my position early, I'd rather JMU be outstanding in academics and mediocre at FB 7 days a week and twice on Sunday (wait, we rest on Sunday). Oh yea, Uncle Ron set the bar, so, it is high.

Well said. I talk regularly with professors in my former academic area. I see the education my kids are receiving at JMU. The demise of JMU is greatly exaggerated.

'The demise of JMU is greatly exaggerated.' Bravo!

(02-03-2016 05:38 PM)JMU1985 Wrote:  

(02-03-2016 05:04 PM)JMU_71 Wrote:  

(02-03-2016 12:08 AM)JMU1985 Wrote:  

(02-02-2016 02:11 PM)JMU_71 Wrote:  

(02-02-2016 01:26 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  Yes, and...? Last time I checked that's what a university education is all about, and not pretending JMU is some kind of minor league farm system for the pros.

The only thing that's a "joke" is your comment.

FIFY

Well, another joke is the fact that a professor cannot spell education. Silly TU grads!

JMU71, I can hear Keyshawn Johnson and Chris Berman already, "C' mon Man". Your gonna focus on a typo?

No, it was in jest. I actually agree with what Longhorn said. Educational endeavors should be the primary concern of a college president.

What I will say is, from my far removed observational position, it appears that Alger is not the right fit. While I agree that COAs should never have been implemented, they are here to stay, so get in the game or you're hamstringing yourself. Second, the endowment is ridiculously low, increasing it should be a primary focus as well. He has not demonstrated leadership with regard to the endowment.

From an overall perspective, maybe leadership is there, but I'm not seeing it.

Fair enough. You are a concerned alum like me. I give to the academic side of the house each year and have for some time. I'm trying to be a part of the endowment solution. I'm grateful that I'm able to give back to JMU. Frankly, my experience is that unless I'm closely involved in a leadership effort and I have a thorough knowledge of all the facts, I feel like my opinion is weak at best. Yet, I want our institution to be a bedrock of what makes the USA great because our values will last well beyond our days. My oldest is a junior and my youngest was accepted early admission (yes, I'm a happy Dad of a great kid). I have a neutral opinion of our president. Sure, I'd like to go FBS too. Yet, I'll set my position early, I'd rather JMU be outstanding in academics and mediocre at FB 7 days a week and twice on Sunday (wait, we rest on Sunday). Oh yea, Uncle Ron set the bar, so, it is high.

No doubt, I'm concerned. I too give to both sides (or two sides, not sure how many sides there are of the house)-- the athletic side and the educational side. I would prefer FBS over FCS but JMU's status as an institution of higher learning is of concern to me more than anything else. So, on that we agree. I was simply saying that, Alger should not hamstring the school by not offering COAs (at least to both basketball programs). Athletics are the front porch after all. While I love Uncle Ron, the endowment was weak under him as well. It needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. We simply cannot continue to increase student fees to fund everything from the new Convo to another educational program. The endowment has to increase, so some of the financial burden come be taken on by the interest off of the endowment investment. I'm not a fundraiser, but there are plenty of competent people out there with those type of skills. I would've brought them in yesterday to help with the mission of growing the endowment. I think James Madison should be well endowed! Yes, pun intended! The real James Madison had cajones to stand up to the British, along with our other Founders, now let's endow his University!

(02-03-2016 05:48 PM)POTUS#4 Wrote:  Well said. I talk regularly with professors in my former academic area. I see the education my kids are receiving at JMU. The demise of JMU is greatly exaggerated.

That's like saying "I beat my wife less these days".... JMU trajectory in all matters should only trend up. That's not impossible and it's the JMU spirit