Without commenting on Mr. Maturi's record as AD, his leaving brings up a real and pressing issue; that is the monstrous administrative bloat at the U of M under President Kaler's stewardship.
Bluntly, it is inexcusable. As we speak, it is sucking the lifeblood (money) from other pressing and important initiatives at the U. Hopefully, President Kaler will not fill Mr. Maturi's position whatever it was when he leaves, as I'm sure that all-in it was probably a half a million dollar per year chair. Not filling Mr. Maturi's chair should be just the beginning of a material and immediate series of steps to regain control of the University of Minnesota from the bureaucratriat.
There have been several "big journalism" looks at the problems at the U - notably, the
WSJ and the
Washington Post. The Post notes:
"In the past decade, Minnesota’s administrative payroll has gone up three times as fast as the teaching payroll, and twice as fast as student enrollment. Oh, and tuition more than doubled in that same period, to more than $13,000 per year.
Strangely the Strib, the PP, MPR, 'CCO and others who should be very curious have so far been unexcitable.
This waste is beyond the ordinary fluff. It is reckless and it is coming from the top. It should be a concern of every fan, every student and every alumnus. Imagine money for more research scientists, scholarships, international partnerships or practice facilities. It exists. It's just being wasted by a completely dysfunctional and undisciplined President's office as well as I presume Board of Regents
I don't know Mr. Kaler. I haven't followed his time as president that closely. I know that he does many things well. It's not personal or ad hominem. I wish him the best. However, he has completely let this thing get out of control.
Remember, it's for the children. (snarky comment, I know - but I've kinda been waiting to use it)
