Bacon's Rebellion

Democracy Thrives in Sunlight

W&M Leadership Transformation (Purge?) Nearly Complete

—

by

James A. Bacon
in ,

by James A. Bacon

Katherine Rowe took the helm of The College of William & Mary July 1, 2018. In three-and-a-half years as president, she has replaced most of the deans and senior administrators carried over from the tenure of her revered predecessor W. Taylor Revely III. The overhaul is summarized in the graphic below, created by a W&M source who asks not to be identified.

Business School Dean Larry Pulley announced his resignation earlier this month. No replacement has been announced.

It is common for university presidents to replace senior officials with newcomers who reflect their priorities. In this case, achieving “diversity” appears to be a top consideration. Of the six major appointments, only one is a White male. That would be totally fine if the new appointees are the best-qualified people for their jobs. Are they?

I have no knowledge of the individuals involved so I have no basis upon which to make that call, and any judgement would be highly subjective anyway. Another way to approach the question is to compare the prestige of the positions Rowe’s picks occupied previously and the prestige of the institutions they came from.

William & Mary is ranked by U.S. News & World-Report‘s 2022 Best Colleges survey as the 38th best “national” university in the country. Below I list the university and its ranking of where W&M’s new leaders came from, as well as their previous titles.

Peggy Agouris, Provost
Previous titles: Dean of the College of Science, chair of the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science
Previous employer: George Mason University
Rank: #148 in national universities

Amy Sebring, Chief Operating Officer
Previous title: Senior Associate Dean for Finance and Administration
Previous employer: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Rank: #172 in national universities
Note: W&M hired Sebring in 2015 as chief financial officer, and promoted her to Chief Operating Officer in 2018

Christopher Lee, Chief Human Resources officer
Previous title: Vice Chancellor for Human Resource Services
Previous employer: Virginia Community College System
Rank: Not rated

Maria Donoghue Valleca, Dean of Arts & Sciences
Previous title: Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Strategic Planning
Previous employer: Georgetown University College of Arts & Sciences
Rank: #23 in national universities

Robert Knoeppel, Dean of the School of Education
Previous title: Dean of the College of Education
Previous employer: University of South Florida
Rank: #103 in national universities

Benjamin Spencer, Dean of the Law School
Previous title: Justice Thurgood Marshall Distinguished Professor of Law
Previous employer: University of Virginia
Rank: #25 in national universities

It is unsurprising that W&M would recruit candidates who held less lofty positions or worked at less prestigious institutions. Every candidate wants to advance his or her career by moving to a more prestigious institution or by occupying a position that offers more pay and prestige. W&M is not likely to poach many top administrators from Harvard, Yale or Stanford. The same is true for every public institution in Virginia. Moreover, it’s not as if Ivy League schools have all the academic talent. There are plenty of great people at less illustrious schools.

That said, my first question is this: did Rowe pick the best people W&M could find, or did she have to delve deeper into the prospect pool, settling for less- credentialed and less-accomplished candidates to hit her diversity and ideological objectives?

I honestly don’t know the answer, but given the fixation on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in higher-ed today, it’s a fair question.

The second question is this: have Rowe’s selections increased the leftist ideological orthodoxy at W&M or contributed to intellectual heterogeneity?

The purpose of this post is to raise questions. I invite reader responses and commentary. I would love to hear from those with first-hand knowledge of the internal politics at W&M.

Share this article

ADVERTISEMENT

(comments below)

ADVERTISEMENT

(comments below)

Comments

56 responses to “W&M Leadership Transformation (Purge?) Nearly Complete”

  1. Baconator with extra cheese Avatar
    Baconator with extra cheese

    It’s not an issue with me. If you don’t want white guys around that’s fine. Just do without white guy money. And that includes white guy tax money.

    1. Moderate Avatar
      Moderate

      Hum… Problem is that in many places, white women and people of color both male and female haven’t had the opportunities to get into the higher positions. That means we don’t have the tax money, either.

      Today every organization is looking to be seen as diverse, especially in leadership. I know nothing of W&M’s internal actions, but often when the leader becomes someone who is not a white male, they hire others who are not white males because they know them,understand their records (especially when they are a bit non-traditional), and recognize that opportunities have not been equally provided. Folks immediately assume those selected are of lesser quality, which is why so many white males don’t hire us and why the system still make it hard for all to get opportunities.

      When we get to the point that all are assumed to have value and if selected appropriate credentials and don’t consider gender and race while we make that assessment, we’ll have finally reached an important goal for our society.

      1. Donald Smith Avatar
        Donald Smith

        “When we get to the point that all are assumed to have value and if selected appropriate credentials and don’t consider gender and race while we make that assessment, we’ll have finally reached an important goal for our society.”

        I’m imagining how Ibram Kendi would expand on that statement.

        “Until we reach that point, there will have to be some—perhaps a lot of—discrimination against oppressors….sorry, white males in the hiring process, especially for well-paid administrative jobs in the public and academics sectors, slots in prized colleges, college scholarships, and, of course, tenured faculty positions. Once we’ve reached “that point,” we’ll be sure to tell you, immediately (pinky swear), and then America can get started on being a place that values people by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. For those of you who might say that your white sons were born 50 years after Selma and Montgomery, and shouldn’t have to pay for the sins of their grandfathers…”

        (Turns from the microphone and walks away).

        Don’t be surprised if the listening audience concludes that, maybe, we have too many state universities, with too many high-paid administrators, who are consuming state money better spent on community colleges, or K-12 education, or the taxpayers themselves.

  2. kls Avatar
    kls

    And James Comey teaching a course on ethics in the USG!

  3. Eric the half a troll Avatar
    Eric the half a troll

    “That said, my first question is this: Did Rowe pick the best people W&M could find, or did she have to delve deeper into the prospect pool, settling for less credentialed and less accomplished candidates to hit her diversity and ideological objectives?

    I honestly don’t know the answer, but given the fixation on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in higher-ed today, it’s a fair question.”

    So what was Katherine Rowe’s (or her spokesperson’s) response when you reach out to her for comment on the topic, JAB?

    1. James A. Bacon Avatar
      James A. Bacon

      You can see the reasons for selecting these individuals in the press releases issued at the time. All were pabulum. The spokespersons’ response would reflect the pabulum.

      1. Eric the half a troll Avatar
        Eric the half a troll

        Or it may have deterred your ability to ask questions you really have no interest in being answered… far better to imply. Par for the course in journalism these days… BR is not the exception so take heart…

      2. WayneS Avatar
        WayneS

        I don’t see the word pabulum used very often anymore, but I like it. It’s a fun word.

        1. Nancy Naive Avatar
          Nancy Naive

          Your pabulum tickles my uvula.

          (Almost pulled a Mayerism that would have been humorously detrimental results)

        2. James Wyatt Whitehead Avatar
          James Wyatt Whitehead

          I remember that word from Latin class. Never thought to actually use it.

      3. Eric the half a troll Avatar
        Eric the half a troll

        Or it may have deterred your ability to ask questions you really have no interest in being answered… far better to imply. Par for the course in journalism these days… BR is not the exception so take heart…

  4. Dick Hall-Sizemore Avatar
    Dick Hall-Sizemore

    Really, what is the purpose of this post? You admit that you “have no knowledge of the individuals involved so I have no basis upon which to” say whether ” the new appointees are the best qualified people for their jobs.” However, you point out that ” of the six major appointments, only one is a white male.” Somehow, that is supposed to make us suspicious. Then, you go on to identify the institutions from where they come, all with rankings below W&M. But, then go to great pains to assure us that is not surprising and that Ivy League schools do not have a monopoly on talent.

    You ask whether Rowe picked the best candidates available or did “she “settl[e] for less credentialed and less accomplished candidates to hit her diversity and ideological objectives?” This is accusation by innuendo or suspicion. It would be the same as if I asked if Youngkin picked the best candidates for his Cabinet or just settled on candidates approved by the Heritage Foundation.

    I will try to put your mind to rest on one individual–Amy Sebring. I worked with Amy at DPB for several years and can attest to her abilities. In addition to DPB, she worked for Senate Finance and SCHEV. For ten years, she served in various finance posts at VCU and MCV. She was recruited by W&M in 2016, when the “revered” Taylor Revely was still President, to serve as assistant to Sam Jones, the school’s chief financial officer. She was obviously being groomed to take over when Jones retired. When Jones retired in 2020, after 34 years at W&M, she was appointed to move into his position. She is obviously highly qualified for the position.

    1. vicnicholls Avatar
      vicnicholls

      Dick I would be suspicious of the same thing. Discrimination in the form of race/gender is wrong – no matter which way it goes. I’ve asked myself the same question and I’m not a white male.

      I’ve watched folks who put people in play that are of their same demographics and I’ve seen the games played in terms of who they asked to apply for an opening, to not even fully advertise that opening or keep it as quiet as possible. Its that sort of behavior that raises questions about peoples’ qualifications. Jim even indicated what he knew and didn’t know, you all jumped him automatically. If all is done on background, because I see a ton of qualified folks of all different types, you don’t have that problem. To indicate there are not qualified folks simply because they’re not white males is just mindboggling.

    2. James A. Bacon Avatar
      James A. Bacon

      What’s the purpose of the post?

      To get exactly the kind of feedback you provided about Sebring.

    3. Nancy Naive Avatar
      Nancy Naive

      “Then, you go on to identify the institutions from where they come, all with rankings below W&M.”

      Can’t argue with that! Especially the Law School Dean.

  5. oldstonewall Avatar
    oldstonewall

    Now do W&L

    1. Nancy Naive Avatar
      Nancy Naive

      W&

      1. James C. Sherlock Avatar
        James C. Sherlock

        nothing & nothing

  6. Dick Hall-Sizemore Avatar
    Dick Hall-Sizemore

    It is interesting that you suggest that W&M has a “leftist ideological orthodoxy.” Youngkin has just appointed its rector, John Littel, as his Secretary of Health and Human Services.

    1. Nancy Naive Avatar
      Nancy Naive

      This is YOUR fault! If you hadn’t dragged James on the carpet over his tunnel vision on UVa, our dear alma mater would have escaped this scurrilous attack and impugning of its staid credentials..

      1. Stephen Haner Avatar
        Stephen Haner

        If one of us were raising these questions, well, we’re alumni and probably donors. None of Jim’s business! 🙂 Prez Rowe can pick her team. Seems like most are coming from relevant experience.

        1. Nancy Naive Avatar
          Nancy Naive

          Except Dean of Law. Podunk U? 😉

        2. John Harvie Avatar
          John Harvie

          Anyone would be better than short-termed Gene Nichol. Fortunately, I was able to be married in Wren Chapel before he removed the cross.

          1. Dick Hall-Sizemore Avatar
            Dick Hall-Sizemore

            Nichol make it clear that the cross would be placed in the Chapel during Christian ceremonies and, upon request, such as during weddings. This whole incident was blown up way out of proportion. It was just an excuse for some prominent alumni to get rid of him because he was viewed as being too liberal. Also, he preferred to sit with the students during football games, rather shmooze with the fat cats.

          2. John Harvie Avatar
            John Harvie

            “Nichol make it clear that the cross would be placed in the Chapel during Christian ceremonies and, upon request, such as during weddings.”

            This was after the uproar and before my ceremony.

  7. Virginia Gentleman Avatar
    Virginia Gentleman

    Is it Critical Race Theory when people seek reactions to hiring decisions based on potential race and gender bias? Just asking…

  8. LarrytheG Avatar
    LarrytheG

    re: ” That would be totally fine if the new appointees are the best qualified people for their jobs. Are they?”

    I was sorta thinking the same thing about some of Youngkin’s picks. 😉

  9. WayneS Avatar
    WayneS

    She appears to be short one “woman of color” (unless one of the three she already hired “identifies” as Native American or something).

    No worries, though. She can remedy it when she chooses Mr. Pulley’s replacement…

  10. Stephen Haner Avatar
    Stephen Haner

    Please, Jim, even I’m wincing at your White Fragility…

    1. vicnicholls Avatar
      vicnicholls

      Considering you would force everyone to be vaxxed and boosted, I’d be careful on complaining on his WF.

    2. James A. Bacon Avatar
      James A. Bacon

      I’m using the post to ask two questions and get feedback. Do the questions reflect “white fragility?”

      1. Nancy Naive Avatar
        Nancy Naive

        Yes. But if you bump to medium heat, bacon browns and crisps nicely.

      2. Stephen Haner Avatar
        Stephen Haner

        Yes, if the photos were changing in the opposite direction, and all the new faces looked alike, you wouldn’t have even noticed or cared. You start with the assumption that not being white males like you, they were chosen with no regard for merit. Unless somebody can persuade you. The very definition…

        1. WayneS Avatar
          WayneS

          Maybe, but what if the photos were sorted in alphabetical order by height?

          1. Nancy Naive Avatar
            Nancy Naive

            Clothes optional?

          2. WayneS Avatar
            WayneS

            They always are…

          3. Nancy Naive Avatar
            Nancy Naive

            In my youth, I had developed an almost pavlovian response to whenever someone would say, “Hey! I’ve got an idea!”, to wit: “BUT, first take off ALLLLLL your clothes.”

            It was funny until a young lady in a conference call at my first job had the bulb light up! Thank god for the 1970s and no DE&I!

        2. LarrytheG Avatar
          LarrytheG

          whoa!

  11. Nancy Naive Avatar
    Nancy Naive

    Reference the screen shot below, your assignment is centered around selecting a “choice” test and examining in detail the author’s perspective on the issues relative to the test.

    Readers of BR are asked, in this effort, to read critically and think critically about the author’s perspective on several fronts including the author’s privilege ,that may or may not be present in this article.

    Readers are then asked, self reflectively, to juxtapose their thoughts regarding any perceived privilege they think they may have and how they would potentially rewrite portions of the text.

    https://www.baconsrebellion.com/app/uploads/2022/01/Identifying-your-privilege.jpg

    Example: presume the author is white and consider his use of the word “purge” in the title.

    1. LarrytheG Avatar
      LarrytheG

      ow

      1. Nancy Naive Avatar
        Nancy Naive

        Live by the pen, die by the pen.

    2. Virginia Gentleman Avatar
      Virginia Gentleman

      I will take White, Judgmental, Politically Incorrect (not woke) and Socially Insensitive (not woke) for $300 Alex.

      1. Nancy Naive Avatar
        Nancy Naive

        DAILY DOUBLE! You can wager up to $2,000. Remember to phrase your answer in the form of a question. Here’s the answer.

        “They will burn our children’s village to save it.”

        1. Virginia Gentleman Avatar
          Virginia Gentleman

          What is the 2nd amendment?

          1. Nancy Naive Avatar
            Nancy Naive

            Uh,… Judges? … We will accept that answer. We were looking for 2nd Amendment Republicans, but since there are too many others, e.g., Libertarians, terrorists, and Trumpers, QAnon’ers, etc., the judges have decide the cause is enough.

      2. Nancy Naive Avatar
        Nancy Naive

        DAILY DOUBLE! You can wager up to $2,000. Remember to phrase your answer in the form of a question. Here’s the answer.

        “They will burn our children’s village to save it.”

  12. James A. Bacon Avatar
    James A. Bacon

    Feedback from a reader: “I can give you some input on one of the new hires at that alleged academic institution in Williamsburg: Ben Spencer is well-qualified. I got to know him in his tenure on the Boyd Graves Conference and came away impressed. He’s the real deal.”

    1. LarrytheG Avatar
      LarrytheG

      so here’s the basic concept thing: ” well-qualified” versus “best-qualified “. Works that way for higher ed, Governor appointments and even TJ admissions.

  13. Donald Smith Avatar
    Donald Smith

    I’m a UVa graduate, and while I was there, I had no idea who the provost or chief operating officer was, and nor did I care. As long as the classrooms weren’t leaking or freezing and the lights worked, what mattered was the quality of instruction that I got from the professors and TAs. Also, I’m pretty sure that you can become qualified to perform the basic nuts-and-bolts tasks of running a top-tier state university by excelling at the same tasks at a second-tier school.

    Lastly, to some extent these might be patronage jobs. I.e., jobs handed out to people within the academic world who are on the “right” side of the powers-that-be. If the DEI community (or DIE, as Jordan Peterson puts it) in high-academics is ascendant—as it appears to be—then it’s logical for them to put their people in powerful positions. Those are the perks of power. Otherwise, why try to take power in the first place?

    If it gets bad enough, then the Virginia taxpayers and tuition-payers can fix the problem by starving the state universities of funding. Similar to the way that Sherman and Sheridan starved the Confederate Army of food in 1864.

    1. LarrytheG Avatar
      LarrytheG

      why we could do that for all sorts of things… right? if VEC doesn’t do right, we’ll “de-fund” them til they do or DMV or heck even police , right?

      1. Donald Smith Avatar
        Donald Smith

        You’re right, we could. And, I highly doubt that any “defund the universities” movement is going to be inspired by outrage over the gender or skin color of university provosts.

        But, if we reach the point where college admissions, or scholarships, or fellowships and research grants de facto go, first and foremost, to the “oppressed” groups, then don’t be surprised if the “oppressors” decide that the state university system is no longer worth supporting. You run the risk that a critical mass of Virginia taxpayers and tuition-payers might decide that their money is better spent elsewhere. Let the Mackenzie Scotts and other guilty rich white progressives pay for state college administrators, they might conclude.

        Having said that…that wouldn’t be the end of the world. Maybe state four-year universities will evolve into an option for those people who really, really want to go to a four-year college. The rest of society can prepare themselves for careers through community colleges and apprenticeships. And, as the overall importance of state-supported four-year universities shrinks, the funding for them (and their staff) would naturally shrink as well.

        It would be a long process. But, once it gets started, it could be powerful.

        1. LarrytheG Avatar
          LarrytheG

          I think when I see the “aggrieved” put their money where their mouth is, I might believe it.

          But that’s fundamentally different than talking about a tax-funded entity being ‘de-funded” until they do what is ‘desired” and it’s a partisan desire.

          Higher Ed is basically a “market’. And so far, I’m hearing a lot of _itching from the right but almost no indications of a mass exodus… just a lot of complaining.

  14. jhuenn Avatar
    jhuenn

    I worked for a university in DC for 31 years and several presidential transitions. It is not at all unusual for a new president to bring in a new management team, often dominated by colleagues from their old organizations.
    Perhaps some readers who worked in the corporate world could comment on similar situations where a new CEO came from outside the corporation.

    1. LarrytheG Avatar
      LarrytheG

      Sorta like General Milley said for the military: “Ducks pick ducks”: There is a tendency for promotion boards to select officers whose career experiences are comparable to their own.”

      Nothing to do with the oft cited ‘meritocracy” thing….

  15. Disappointed Avatar
    Disappointed

    Peddling the myth of diversity as lower quality, Jim? Disappointing. Oh, forgive me. You’re simply asking the question.

  16. James C. Sherlock Avatar
    James C. Sherlock

    More discussion in one spot than I have seen of William and Mary in 60 years.

Leave a Reply

Read More