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UVa President Teresa Sullivan
“This institution will be based on the illimitable freedom of the human mind. For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it.”
- Thomas Jefferson to William Roscoe, 27 December 1820
This one’s for you, TJ.
I write this post as a proud UVA alumna (CLAS ’01), one who knows the devotion we alums share for the education we received at Virginia. UVA offers one of the best public educations in the nation, and it’s open to all who meet its rigorous standards. UVA is an institution with an incredible sense of groundedness, as well as a dynamic, thoughtful group of students, faculty, and administrators who care deeply about the place. For better and sometimes for worse, Mr. Jefferson’s University, The University, has not been easily moved by the fashions of the day. It’s a place where reason and truth are valued, and where students and faculty do not simply shrug off questionable actions as par for the course. It’s no surprise, then, that the lack of clarity and transparency over the sudden resignation of our President this past Sunday is eating away at many of us.
I am also a writer and historian, currently finishing up a Ph.D. in History at Duke University. The research skills I’ve learned at Duke and Virginia have enabled me to know where and how to find information quickly. When the news broke of President Sullivan’s sudden resignation from UVA, I became very curious. Sullivan arrived at UVA as a highly respected administrator of public higher education, one of the best in the business. Something must have gone very amiss for her to agree to resign in this way.
I’ve poked around the internet and have come up with a theory about what I think may have been happening in Charlottesville to force Sullivan to leave. Some parts of it may turn out to be a bit off, time will tell, but I’m confident enough in what I’ve found to present it as plausible. I am neither a journalist, nor a lawyer or a higher education administrator, and I am sure there are elements here that would benefit from the input of those professionals’ expertise.
All of this is information freely accessible to the public. I am sharing it in hopes that others may form their opinions and offer their insights, so that we might build a fuller picture of what has happened.
The theory I have is that Goldman Sachs’s Education Management Corporation, a for-profit education provider, wanted to make or made a bid to offer online education through UVA. From this endeavor, EMC would invest profits back into the University, helping to heal some of the University’s fiscal woes. When Sullivan was reluctant or refused to agree to the venture, key members of the Board threatened litigation related to her performance as a fundraiser for the University.
Here is how I’ve arrived at this theory:
1. On Sunday, the Richmond-Times Dispatch reported that Sullivan only learned that she was being forced to resign on Friday, and that the Chairman of the Darden School of Business’s Foundation knew of the “project” to oust her several weeks ago.
2. An examination of the minutes of the Board of Visitors meetings from 2011-12 reveals that Sullivan’s departure was discussed over several months and may have been related to fundraising:
- At the September meeting, Sullivan reported a 13% decrease from the previous fiscal year in giving to the University (p. 8534).
- In November, the BOV created and adopted a Presidential Performance Evaluation, with individual members of the Board writing reviews of Sullivan. Although this is a common professional practice and has obvious benefits for organizational health, it was an unprecedented action taken by the Board (p. 8615).
- In February, the BOV met in closed executive session with its General Counsel to discuss pending and threatened litigation and to discuss “personnel matters relating to the appointment and performance of University employees in connection with fundraising activities and potential gifts to the University related to the Capital Campaign” (p. 8656)
- The Board held a closed executive session at its May meeting in which it discussed personnel matters related to University officers, presumably Sullivan. In the executive session, they also consulted with the University’s General Counsel on a “privileged legal report” on “pending and anticipated litigation affecting the University.” (pgs. 8708-09)
From the site’s cache: “/PRNewswire/ — Education Management Corporation … to take for granted just how beautiful and historic the University of Virginia is, …”
http://www.linkedin.com/
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So, the theory is that EMC approached the University with the potential of offering the “online education” component to which Dragas has referred, as a subsidiary of UVA’s educational offerings, one that would have healed a lot of fiscal woes for the University. As an independent entity who invested its profits back into the University, EMC’s involvement wouldn’t have made the University in and of itself private. Essentially it would have been selling the UVA ‘brand name’ for the opportunity to receive major gifts for the University. When Sullivan resisted this venture, the Board found fault with her performance as a fundraiser and made moves to oust her.
Given the heavy involvement of Darden in this scenario, I’d be curious to know more about the ways Darden has privatized over the years, and whether this model bears any resemblance to those processes.
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Filed under: Uncategorized | 176 Comments
Twitter
- @AaronMadow
hi Aaron, thx for your msg. I'd be happy to share it with you. I am traveling but I will respond on my return on Tuesday.2013/05/19 18:51 - @melindagates
Thanks for your inspiring words yesterday! This newly-minted PhD appreciates them! #duke20132013/05/13 18:27 - @amasays
no worries! would love to see the fruits of your labor - i will look into tix!2013/05/08 04:27 - @bessbell
Hi! Trying to reach you re an upcoming LA trip. Follow me & I'll DM? xo2013/05/07 05:01 - @CleftClips
yaay! i'll be in touch.2013/04/24 06:20
- @AaronMadow
One word:
Outstanding!
I concur. Outstanding. Here's additional insight into EMC: http://www.enotes.com/topic/Education_Management_…
If any of this is true it is absolutely disgusting and makes my opinion of the BOV even worse, and I did not think that was possible
good work.
however, i do not believe that the governor is seeking vp nod – so the end of your argument falls short.
Thanks, uvaalum. You're right that right now, McDonnell is not seeking the nomination. But at the time when the proposal may have been floated earlier this spring, he was definitely in the running. See: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/04/the-…
I have a friend that was hired to work PR for his wife and, yes, he was preparing for a potential VP nod.
Very interesting. It's also worth noting that one thing that ECM lacks is a prestigious, high-profile University partner–its current partner schools are smaller and far less well known than UVa. A deal with UVa would immediately boost the company's credibility and public profile.
Yep, and demolish the University's. It's getting increasingly difficult not to see this entire brouhaha in terms of right-wing ideologues attacking liberal education. They doubtless misunderstand the word 'liberal' in that context as well.
I wonder why no one has asked why the Trustees at the Darden Foundation email was leaked. My theory is that one of the trustees is from Media general and leaked it to his paper.
This story will get out
Darden Fiundation Board member Marshall N. Morton (Darden ''72) is President & CEO of Media General.
As far as you go, all very interesting. I have also heard that Health Sciences may have had some kind of stake in this well, and Dragas initial announcement also makes reference to medical expenses, too. Want to keep digging?
I work in the UVA Health System and a few years ago, a former CEO (I would like to emphasize, it's not the CURRENT person in the position) was giving special treatment to Saudis. He was removed from the position with just a few whispers. I've never found anything written about it in the news, I'm sure there are some internal documents somewhere. I'm not trying to raise some conspiracy theory, but rather bring attention to the larger point that so many misdeeds go on behind doors and there is definitely a culture of this at UVA. Hide it in the pantry with your cupcakes, Mrs. Robinson kind of thing. So many links that people have posted in regard to this story no longer function (like the NBC29 link above) and it's hard to access this information. Which makes it so impressive what you have done!
Check out the Darden Foundation (501c3,) IRS 990 federal income filing to see if they have any investments in EMC. Check out the Board of Visitors' board of director positions and compensation to see if there are any conflicts of interest with EMC. And urge your contacts at UVA to immediately create an intellectual rights policy at the university whereby professors and instructors must give permission before any public distribution of their lectures, etc. takes place. Death star to EMC, Dragas, and all the other players in this Shakespearean tragdy.
so let's ask who stands to profit (other than The Esteemed University) from this company being boosted by association with UVA…Would be a interesting next step in this. From the get-go I found it hard to imagine that McDonnell doesn't have his grubby paws in the midst of this one way or another. You know a lot of palms have to have been greased for them to jeopardize the University's reputation for this Machiavellian maneuver. The "insiders" keep alluding to how they'll all be exonerated once we all "know" the story, but if selling UVA's cachet to people for online access was it, that's rather disgusting.
something else that gives a slight twist: McDonnell's two sons are current students at the University so it makes it even more likely his grubby hands are all over this mess.
I know there is a McDonnell connection in this. Let's have a grand jury investigation and get all of this information out on the table. I do believe I pay taxes to the State of Virginia.
Excellent work.
Also, frightening, if true.
One thought that comes to mind: Transperancy.
Without that, trust cannot be given.
Amazing quick research you did about the proximate cause of the presidential upheaval.
I imagine: The magic transformation of Jefferson’s ideals combined with electronic distance learning on pc’s, laptops, and smartphones with scenes of The Lawn was probably an irresistable selling package.
But with your very commendable combination of universities (UVa steeped in history and Duke floating in multimillion dollar contributions by True Royal Blues but short on
Multi century history), you know what inspires each institution:
Excellence and the need for plenty of monetary fuel.
Thus the fear in Wahooville of Existential Angst.
But it was the BOV’s bad not to wed TS’s happy intellect to a English major PhD with geeky computer speak.
And of a generation to make online courses honestly educational, enjoyable, and much like CME courses that we physicians employ.
Then as your favorite TS Eliot relayed from centuries ago from a female mystic with insight born of pain: “..and all shall be well..”
Now June is the Cruelest Month.
Interesting idea and many thanks for all this diligent sleuthing…I wonder if President Sullivan will eventually speak to the press, or if her severance package will prevent her from making public statements? Obviously she is the one who could clear up a lot of these questions. Wonder how the healthcare piece plays in to this, though…that did seem to have some bearing on the situation. Quite startling when Dragas referred to the "University's patients and students" at her press conference, as if the institution is first and foremost a hospital system.
From my experience with colleagues resigning from positions of administration in higher ed, I'm afraid Sullivan will be vowed to silence as a part of her severance. They usually negotiate with the school and have agreements of resigning.
I'm guessing she will not be able to speak about any of this in a public setting for at least for 5 years or maybe even more.
I think this is spot-on. As a former EDMC employee, I know that they're cutting costs everywhere and downsizing due to a class-action lawsuit that the DOJ joined in on a few years ago, and they're at the least going to have to settle for a few billion dollars. A new business venture like this that would generate so much revenue in a time of 'trouble' would definitely be a move they would make.
Hi Anne-Marie – I commend you for taking the time to look into all of this, but I will go with Occam's Razor here in that the most likely simple explanation is that the board found a candidate with better fundraising abilities. At the end of the day, the president's job is a fundraising one. No doubt Sullivan was a nice person who worked hard and deserved better than this, but the conspiracy theory is just too much. I can assure you that Goldman has ties on many many other university boards. If this was their business plan, why is it not happening elsewhere? Was President Sullivan the only university president who told them no?
"If this was their business plan, why is it not happening elsewhere?"
Answer: Everything has to start somewhere.
Occam's Razor will not apply until we have more information. It doesn't apply to a state of almost total ignorance.
Very good piece of investigative journalism here, focusing on facts in the midst of a crisis. You provide several answers to nagging questions I have had. From day 1 I suspected the decision to oust Sullivan started and ended with a reaction to fundraising abilities. Another area to research is other presidents of universities removed for a real or perceived inability to raise funds. Gene Nichols at William and Mary comes to mind. Popular with students but not wealthy alumni. Follow the money, and you often find the answer.
Fascinating theory. If there is truth to it, I hope it surfaces soon. Thank you for sharing.
Fascinating theory and outstanding depth in such a short period.
I’m sad for President Sullivan and the whole story smells fishy, but it seems like in a search for explanation we’re turning to divisive accusations and loosely held-together conspiracy theories. I read a recent article blaming MBAs from Darden, another implicating the BOV (many of them our peer alumni), and now saying Goldman Sachs… Some are also saying Bill Clinton may be the next president of the University and that’s why they asked Mrs. Sullivan to step down…!
I’m not sure we’ll ever know all the facts, but let’s let this play out. It feels sad what happened but it’s feeling wrong seeing accusations swirling when the facts aren’t all out. I think we should wait and see…and root for justice and truth to prevail…and hope the leaders were being good stewards of authority when they made these decisions.
Hi Brett, Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it. I think, though, that the Board has had opportunities to discuss the facts with the University community and it is reluctant or unable to do so. In that case, our concern leads us to seek out publicly-available facts. As I point out in the post, it may well be the case that the theory isn't true, for which I'd certainly be relieved. But I think it would be an abuse of resources not to seek out what information there is available.
Given that our University is public and its Board serves at the request of the Governor and the General Assembly, we can expect a level of transparency even without the Board's direct communication, which is why I went to the BOV's Minutes to see what they might tell us. I too hope that our leaders were being good stewards of authority, but I think we've seen political examples on both sides of the aisle to the contrary recently, such that a rational approach leads us to ask difficult questions and to search for answers.
Check out the Slate article "Strategic Mumblespeak" from June 15th, 2012! Here's your Goldman Sachs connection taking credit for Sullivan's ouster: "On Thursday night, a hedge fund billionaire, self-styled intellectual, “radical moderate,” philanthropist, former Goldman Sachs partner, and general bon vivant named Peter Kiernan resigned abruptly from the foundation board of the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. He had embarrassed himself by writing an email claiming to have engineered the dismissal of the university president, Teresa Sullivan, ousted by a surprise vote a few days earlier." Your theory holds much water! Great job! Here's the link: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/h…
Thanks for posting Anne-Marie. And, thanks Brett for making a good point about acknowledging that we don't know all the facts, and should have trust in our leadership. It's unfortunate that we, as alumni, are having to do so much digging to find any clarity in this situation. From a PR standpoint, this has been a disaster–that we can surely make a judgement on. But, as for what's next, I agree that we need to wait and let this play out. I will say though, I'm surprised that the fundraising decrease hasn't been more widely publicized – how serious is the 13% decrease? What do the previous years show? Regardless, I am confident that in a few months this will be sorted out and UVA will continue to be a great University– no organization is perfect.
But Brett, don't you see the link between these elements (that you mention, which Ann-Marie's research points to: "MBAs from Darden … the BOV … and Goldman Sachs…"? Bill Clinton (or Condi Rice) as future UVA president is another kind of speculation, which at this point doesn't fit with the other pieces of the puzzle (though they might in time, who knows), and those other pieces are coming together now much more clearly (no thanks to any transparency from the BOV). All we are left with is speculation (and some help from internet sources), and speculation is important when a coup d'etat might well forever affect the future of UVA and even set a dangerous precedent that could spread within higher ed in the US. Meanwhile we want President Sullivan BACK and to have this play out publicly with her in place to argue for us. Thanks Ann Marie.
Also: What about the Dragas and other BoV ties to Dominion and its far reaches, political and otherwise?
Yes, transparency of decision making by the board would clarify the standoff.
If the “philosophical differences” were about academic excellence (TS’s strong suit) versus commercialization of ideas, then Thomas Jefferson’s advice would be suddenly appropriate:
“In matters of style, swim with the current;
In matters of principle, stand like a rock.”
Interesting theory, but there is a weak link if it depends on the assumption that the litigation mentioned in bov minutes is tied to sullivan’s performance as a fundraiser. After all, the bov could naturally be expected to be concerned about the high profile litigation against the univ, sullivan, the AD, and the men’s lacrosse coach for yeardley love’s killing. So, follow the money, not the court pleading trail.
The consultations with the general counsel were undoubtedly proactive: figure out how to deal with the potential legal consequences of the removal and the ensuing controversy.
Any institution, corporate or public, as big as UVA is bound to have litigation against it and it is the boards job to review these at their meetings, and if it is ongoing must be reviewed in close session.. I doubt meeting minutes like this are unusual.
Maybe Sullivan rejected a large gift because she didn't like the conditions attached to it.
Well researched! Can you find out who the other equity partners are at EDMC and if they happen to have connections to MAJOR UVa donors, BOV members or the governor? Curious to know what other venture capital may be involved.
Dragas and Kington are both on board of Dominion Resources. Farrell, CEO of Dominion has expressed a desire to be president of UVA. Are they making room for him?
There is no reason for Kiernan to be in the loop on Sullivans departure. Kiernan has also expressed a desire for an appointment to the BOV.
Wow, give this girl a Ph.D.! Great work.
When I heard that Goldman-Sachs owned EMc, I also thought this was plausible. And honestly, I think eventually UVA will have to go online to keep up, but at the same time, the overall cloak of secrecy behind this move is what scares me. Had it been in the open, the public would have had a chance to weigh in, but as it is, this looks extremely underhanded. I commend you for the research you have done on this.
I'm not sure the secrecy scares me as much as it clearly indicates there is something to hide and we need to find out what that is before we accept the board's unilateral decision.
And one of the newer board member is E.J. Kirk, who previously served on the board at Radford University. He was instrumental in ramming through a new general curriculum with little regard to faculty input. While the president survived the furor, the provost was canned. It'd be interesting to find out if he had any role what's happening at YVA.
For the record, Goldman placed a huge bet on Obama, too. In fact, they were instrumental in helping him get over the Hillary hump. So let's not make this a GOP thing — it's more of a "Goldman is evil" thing.
Outstanding research and writing. Thank you for taking the time to dig and meld this information in such a cogent manner.
One point is support of your theory, George Mason is currently pursuing/expanding online education through a partnership with for-profit Kaplan, and many public universities are going this route. http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/201…
This ouster stunk of corporate machinations the second it was revealed that the President of the Darden's Board of Trustees (Darden grad) was brought in on a "special project" to help the Rector (Darden grad) and Vice Rector (Darden Grad) fire our PhD President. How is a dismissal a "special project"? This insinuated there was much more in the works than a removal and replacement. You've done an excellent job researching potential reasons for this move. This blog post is being forwarded to alums and friends and posted on UVa forums for their consideration. I think it's worth the time to read for anyone who values our University.
Wow. WaPo should hire you. Seriously.
This theory definitely popped into my head as I read about the resignation of President Sullivan. I've worked in higher education for the last 6 years as an administrator and have unfortunately seen that realities that money is the ruler of all decisions. Kudos for President Sullivan for trying to stick up for the academic reputation and the name of the University of Virginia and what it stands for. That apparently was a moot point for the BOV who saw a huge cash cow in front of them. The frustrating thing in all of this is the you can probably keep digging and find out several decisions that the BOV and uppper administration made to put UVA in this situation of "hard times" in the first place. Because of other people's poor decisions President Sullivan is the sacrificial lamb…
I can't help but think that if a hired U.Va. official had created a public relations disaster of this magnitude it would be grounds for dismissal. This would be true regardless of the reasons for Sullivan's ouster. Why shouldn't Dragas and her BOV/Darden cabal be held to the same standard? Perhaps we can swing some weight with the governor as he's considering Dragas' reappointment?
The unsettling thing to me is how adamant McDonnell has been about NOT getting involved. It's completely ridiculous. He's the one that appoints (or re-appoints) the BOV members currently. Really. All that power rests within one person: the governor.
ReadersL Please take a moment to sign this petition:
http://www.change.org/petitions/rector-and-the-bo…
this link does not work
Yes, Virginia, there *is* a vast conspiracy–or at least, your intriguing investigation makes a good case for further inquiry. Thank you.
I liked your "play on words"!
Well done and very plausible.
This fits with broader trends of neoliberal ideology transforming public institutions into private enterprise. Capitalists of both democratic and republican ilk are trying to privatize public education and at the same time destroy one of the only sources of criticism of capitalism. The Media have been purchased and no longer really conduct investigative journalism to inform democracy in a substantive manner. The university academics with academic freedom examine the relationship between capitalism and global warming and look what happens the state, controlled by corporate interests, goes after them a la Cuccunelli.
Now this, Sullivan resists the capitalist pressure and she is ousted. She she gave in so quickly is troubling. The sharks of the global capitalist regime control the University through political appointments. That should end. The legislature should dismiss the BOVs and then change the law governing appointments to the BOV to stop corporate, private capitalist control of the public institution. No more appointments based on your financial wealth or political connections. Let's put people in charge like faculty, parents, and students. Let's make sure the BOV is representative of the people of Virginia and UVA. The Faculty Senate should have veto power over these tupes of deals regarding academic offerings and funding of the University. There is some money we don't want. In addition the State should be funding the University at 100 % of its operating costs, even if this requires increasing state taxes.
Good points. But I really resent the hijacking of the term "liberal" in the service of a patently non-liberal agenda.
You may be right .I'd only observe your first paragraph laud to UVA is a bit overdone–for a historian.it' is a great university, you can get a wonderful education-at a bargain,in a beautiful location.But -like all big orgs, it has power ruling cadres whose least concern is "truth and reason". Admin malfeasance is swept under the carpet, cronyism-still problems, serious sexism (at least until the 1980s). As to rigorous standards,these standards are still bent for some of the fraternity element and for so called student-athletes. (Uva alum ,BA, MA, MA)
If poor fundraising performance has some bearing here, I'm surprised that the University's chief development officer, Robert Sweeney, hasn't (yet) been implicated. Wouldn't he have been A.) Cut loose as well?; or B.) Wouldn't pressure have been placed on Sullivan to cut him loose? Maybe pressure was placed on Sullivan to do so, and she didn't want to pull the trigger. But that would seem odd, knowing that she's next in line if she doesn't deal with him.
I think the point here is likely that poor fundraising is more a red herring than anything?
Thank you for a very well-articulated article!
Please take a moment to sign this petition:
http://www.change.org/petitions/rector-and-the-bo…
and join this facebook group:
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We are calling on the board to give detailed reasons for this decision to force President Sullivan to resign
Without knowing all the purported reasons for Ms. Sullivan's forced resignation (and we may never know, as is fitting in a personnel matter), I'm reluctant to sign this petition calling for Ms. Sullivan's reinstatement, although what I know to date causes me to support her.
What I KNOW I can agree with is that Ms. Dragas should not be reappointed to the Board of Visitors after creating the public relations nightmare that she has. If an employee of the University had created this kind of mess, you know he/she would have been fired.
Start a petition to Gov. McDonnell to not reappoint Ms. Dragas and I'll trumpet it from the rooftops!
Really impressive and informative research. Thanks for doing this excellent work.
Excellent theory. I think it is also worth noting the Dean of Darden chaired the search committee for Michael Strine who replaced Sandridge as COO under President Sullivan's leadership (also public information easily found online). Strine, who of course has great fiscal responsibility for the university, seems to have been instrumental in Sullivan's forced resignation (another theory).
Interesting theory, except for the fact that according to the WP, Sullivan herself supported taking certain courses online (particularly for 'lower-level' courses). I reference the WP article of June 14, which summarizes part of the strategic plan that she outlined for the BOV recently.
Thanks for bringing up the Post article, Meredith. I wonder whether all involved had agreed to online education, but the particular company (EMC)'s approach (if it was involved) was part of what pushed Sullivan out the door. Again, just a theory but I'm grateful for the conversations and thoughts it seems to be provoking.
From the Rector's letter to the donor community: reference to online delivery
"We see no bright lights on the financial horizon as we face limits on tuition increases, an environment of declining federal support, state support that will be flat at best, and pressures on health care payors. This means that as an institution, we have to be able to prioritize and reallocate the resources we do have, and that our best avenue for increasing resources will be through passionate articulation of a vision and effective development efforts to support it. We also believe that higher education is on the brink of a transformation now that online delivery has been legitimized by some of the elite institutions."
Dragas was appointed to the Board of Visitors by Governor Kaine. If Gov McDonnell were meddling, he'd be putting one of his own people in place, which didn't happen. Also, the idea that the vice-rector is expected to become the next Rector is not correct historically.
Thank you, anonymous poster. Just to be clear, the Governor of Virginia chooses the members of the BOV, but the Board itself elects the Vice Rector, who becomes the Rector upon the previous Rector's completion of his/her term. (p. 17 here: http://www.virginia.edu/bov/meetings/BOV%20Manual…
Right – and so what was inaccurate in what the AC posted? The point is, the left-wing blogofeverswamp is full of people saying that the Romney-McDonnell-Goldman conspiracy engineered this whole thing to make more money on the backs of the peasants and traditional liberal arts excellence… BUT… there's the inconvenient fact that Dragas (and half her colleagues on the BOV) were appointed by Tim Kaine – a Democrat former Governor, now running for Senate, who AFAIK has yet to comment on the mess that his appointee has touched off.
Reminds me of 'The Pelican Brief.'
I just graduated from UVA as a non-trad student & also worked for DPA. Bob just got another 5 years w/ UVA & that was said to me by him in his office on Grounds. He’s very distracted dealing with his lengthy & expensive divorce. Otherwise he’s a great cheerleader but he first & foremost should step up & answer for fundraising issues. That is his job. Ive also heard giving has decreased in the recent days & June is the 2nd busiest time of the giving season after December. These shady antics do not inspire giving.
Otherwise, this whole thing is disgusting. UVA goes on about the honor code, but clearly the BOV doesnt have one. On a student level this type of shenanigan would begin an honor investigation, which is essentially what faculty are demanding, as they should. The student would be expelled, never to return to UVA. I can only hope that the Gov doesnt permit Dragon a second term.
Any Darden involvement is interesting, & i cant help but wonder what Josh Darden would think of it. I’m sure he & Dragon know each other well as she is a Darden grad & theyre both in the VA Beach area. Small circles as we all know. He wa also once the rector of UVA & in general is held in such high regard i cant help but think he wouldnt like this very much.
My thoughts have been this is politics & power, & i think the research has shed a lot more light on how far & deep this does go, & i bet its spot on.
Well done.
Wouldn't want to be in any way associated w/Goldman Sachs. If this pans out to be true, good job to Sullivan for not going that route.
Join me in calling on Gov. McDonnell to not reappoint Rector Dragas. Right or wrong in her reasoning, she went about this ouster in the wrong way and created a public relations disaster that is harming our beloved University of Virginia. If an employee had done that, he or she would have been fired. Here's the link to the Gov.'s office :http://www.governor.virginia.gov/AboutTheGovernor/contactGovernor.cfm
After the housing bubble will come the Higher Education bubble. And I suspect the BoV is worried that it could take down the U.
In all of the fevered speculation re:Goldman Sachs, the Vampire Squid, no one pointed out the brewing scandal of academic fraud that may implicate Teresa Sullivan. Sullivan co-authored with Elizabeth Warren a major analysis of consumer bankruptcy, which the late Prof Shuchman of Rutgers characterized as “statistical fraud” – a bit inconvenient given the core of our school is the Honor Code.
See http://legalinsurrection.com/2012/06/were-charges…
Maybe the Single Sanction still lives
Hmm, you're speculations sound a bit fevered to me. Cup of tea, anyone?
GO ANNE-MARIE for putting your fire and brains into this important discussion. Thank you!
Obama received over 1 million during that same time from Goldman Sachs. Shall I create my own twist on this Slanted Theory. Shameful.. you had me till you pulled the slanted half truth card on me. Good luck with your PHD. Detective slueth you R NOT!
Bob, are you suggesting the GS doesn't hedge their bets?
This is very interesting. Especially since McDonnell has been pushing online education. Starting in 2013, students will be required to take one online course in order to get a high school diploma. I wonder how much all of this fits together.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-scho…
I enjoyed reading this.
Sadly, the damage has been done and it will be difficult to undo it.
So many of my fellow alumni are disgusted by this, and the engagement I felt with the University has taken a major hit. I'm just one person and I don't give much money, but I fear that the cumulative effect of so many of us little guys sitting on the sidelines from here on will be estimable.
I agree. I actually haven't even developed a giving habit, and have always thought about it as "one of the things I need to do" – and I like thinking about all the ways my money could go to work. But this kind of action really does have that subconscious effect like, "Hm, ok, let's think twice before how I do this." Which, as we know, the more clicks we have to go through a page (or a thought), the less likely we are to get through to the other side….
I, too, am seriously reconsidering my paltry contribution, but, then, once Goldman Sachs moves in, our paltry amounts won't be necessary.
I’ll give. The things I love at the University deserve it. It’s just a shame that most people *will* have the knee-jerk reaction and it will be a hurdle for the University to overcome. I see a fine, supported program for all the music, especially the choral program, and I’ll be so happy to support it one day in a powerful way. There is beauty on those grounds and magic being made there with music. It will be nice to do something for that, regardless of what is going on elsewhere. Thanks for sharing your insight and thoughts.
I'd suggest it can certainly be undone. The board is not infallible, and the faculty, students and alumni have a good deal of credibility and leverage. Don't give up in the face of an arrogant and wrong-headed power play that broke a number of rules and conventions.
what about terrry's relationship with elizabeth warren? committing fraud/scientific mis-conduct would be reason to bounce her immediately….. HONOR CODE, anyone?
If this were the case, then double-shame on the search committee for their incompetent vetting. This is a red-herring.
Given that the only websites churning up the warren/sullivan data "scandal" are all breitbart associated, I'd say there's little chance that this has anything to do with the story, and is merely meant to cast doubt on the character of elizabeth warren in her current senate battle in MA.
Two things:
1–great work Anne-Marie.
2-the former managing editor of the Daily Progress works for Teresa Sullivan.
Sullivan had expressed concern about the quality of care found throughout the UVA Health System. When she arrived, she was not on the Health Affairs Board nor did she have access to the Health System's quality dash board. However, it didn't take her long to gain access to the Health Affairs Board membership as well as to obtain access to the quality data. Poor quality often equates to higher costs of care (more unnecessary medical expenses). It didn't take her long to demand quality improvement (and lower costs) from both the Dean of the Medical School and the CEO of the Health System!
Essentially the president is a fundraiser. 13% decrease over 1 year is ominous!
Sullivan did fundraise. She was asked to help focus on potential donors who could give $25M to $100M. She made personal visits to these donors along with key Development personnel. The economic times have had a real impact on UVA's ability to finish its 3 billion campaign. Currently, the campaign is short $400M. See the following article from Inside Higher Ed about UVA's fundraising: http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/01/05/uni…
very interesting, I will follow closely as a UVA spouse and parent of 1 alum, 1 present 2nd year student I think it's awful the way they have treated Dr. Sullivan and they should be ashamed of themselves. In addition, there was no vote -who says they really would have had the votes to oust her? Voting should be a public record in this case. Thanks for your research.
Apparently Dragas told Sullivan there wiuld be enough votes from the BOV to out her so Sullivan resigned. If she had not & calked her bluff then i’m certainly curious as to whether there were enough votes. It would have been a public process if Sullivan did not resign, & on an individual level i can understand not being interested in that. But i wish she had fought. Clearly Dragas is shady so i cant help but wonder how true it was & if there was realky enough support to pull it off. I also have to wonder why Dragas did this now. Her term is up in 2 weeks. Was this a last ditch stab in the back or does she think Mcdonnell will allow her a 2nd term? If youre leaving why do this? I have to think that Dragas in some way expects to stay, or she & the Gov have more to gain outside of this. The timing is odd.
Does the timing have anything to do with Reunions weekend?
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-polit…
WOW!!!!
excellent research and thoughts. thank you.
Thank you for your diligent research and assembling of facts. Whether totally true or just speculation, your conclusions are well-supported. It grieves me that the Board of Visitors is so narrow-minded and short-sighted, among its other limitations. Other universities have made course material available online, seemingly for the edification of the masses. I was not aware (head in sand) it was a money-making venture, but I am not surprised. Those of us who have been fortunate to attend UVa recognize there is so much more to learning than the mere facts. I was pleased that Teresa Sullivan values that "more" in education. What a loss this is for the University.
Great article, and I believe it is right on target.
Sadly, nothing will come out of this except a "fired" top-notch president
being replaced with someone less qualified, and ready to "sell" the UVA name
this fall for the sake of capitalism. Yet, that's our renowned "USA
system.".
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/thr…
As a UVA alumnus (CLAS 1983) and a former journalist, I find your thoughts to be both reasonably well developed, and sad for what they say about the state of higher education in general, and at the University in particular. I have several friends in academia who have been lamenting the way their departments are becoming viewed as profit or loss centers, so your theory simply makes sense to me, as well.
Perhaps what disappoints me most is that UVA is now front page news for all the wrong reasons, while the BOV makes few moves that are anything but ill-considered. Let's hope something good comes of this.
The coffee shop buz the next day was the same theory, except McDonald was informed of the mutiny ahead of time and offered no threat of reprisal or involvement. Why didn’t TS force a vote? Was she afraid the ‘secret sauce’ might be leaked?
You are an excellent researcher who will benefit whatever institution offers you a career. The chance of UVa being that institution is now zero, and that is sad.
Thank you, Rey! I'd still be honored to teach at UVA, though. I am confident that the University will survive this storm and emerge stronger.
Excellent work Anne-Marie Angelo! I've been reading as much as I can, following the flow of money, in particular. Your efforts took you much further than mine did me, although we did cross some of the same "monied paths". Thank you for your diligence.
Teresa Sullivan is an able fundraiser, with a good track record on such at Michigan. This whole thing stinks to high heaven, and y'all are fools if you let her go. Kick out the board and go about it quickly!
Maybe it's got nothing to do with UVA. UT Austin's president is in trouble. Maybe she's going home.
This is excellent work on such short notice. I had been wondering for the past two days why UVA would be interested in investing heavily in on-line courses. Your work sugests a strong reasons for it. While I do not have a UVA connection, I am an administrator at another large university in the region, and that is being pushed by its conservative board members to do more on-line courses. I have been wondered why the right wing has taken this position but it makes perfect sense when you add the privatization component.
PS: Given Goldman-Sachs history one is not surprised by anything they would do.
Good sleuthing, but you have a *HYPOTHESIS*, not a *theory*. See: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-be…
great work and interesting theory. however, i think the references to the bov discussing pending and anticipated litigation was naturally about yeardley love's family suing the university and lacrosse coaches.
Thanks, nova hoo! And thanks also for the point you raised, it's very helpful. It certainly seems plausible that the discussion of pending litigation at the BOV's May executive session may have dealt with the Yeardley Love suit that was filed early that month. I do maintain that the discussion with the General Counsel at the February executive session regarding "personnel matters related to the appointment of University employees and fundraising activities," given President Sullivan's resignation, likely had to do with her. Thanks again.
Interesting addition to the more general Occam razor that the explanation for the action lies in traditional weakness of faculty senate as policy body; the Darden MBA playbook (bold leadership and crisis management). I note that 3 programs of EDMC a $3 billion dollar company are located in Va. Beach. Please sketch out for me how UVA's brand would produce dollars for EDMC and UVA? The current EDMC business plan seems to work pretty well?
Dragas will not be reappointed to the BOV because Kington is a big supporter of the Governor and he has been waiting to be the Rector. Kington is a very smart negotiator and strategist who loves UVA and I bet has a plan. I think the firing was handled like a corporate firing and was handled badly but don't count Kington and his group out yet. The BOV has a lot of fence mending to do and just hiring a big name will not make this situation go away. This has been a terrible public relations nightmare and the BOV should start by hiring a top notch firm to start healing wounds and articulating their plan.
One question I have is fund raising. If UVA is down 13% what are other schools doing; are other schools up and UVA down or is there a downward trend every where? If UVA is down and other peer group schools are not then why not fire Sweeney and bring in a big time fund raiser?
I do think the BOV completely ignored the faculty and the community admiration for how President Sullivan was healing old wounds.
New event: Emergency faculty meeting has been called for Sunday at 5pm. My guess is the announcement of a new temporary President.
Watch how fast this is all swept under the carpet by ALL the media outlets in Charlottesville. After today, I wouldn't be surprised if there was nothing else in print about this situation.
EDMC is not the kind of partner any reputable university would want, and I would be stunned if they ever be able to pull off an agreement with your university. Those of us who had the misfortune of working for them at one time or another, often when they buy out another school to expand, often feel like they should have stuck to cooking schools and left anything academic alone. They are Goldman to the core, and alumni should call for the removal of ANY board member who would support such a partnership.
Only a "corporation" would coin this whole matter a "project"…
Amazingly researched and hugely provocative by Anne Marie! It's beginning to dawn on some of us that "the University as we knew it" will never be the same again. As I've written elsewhere, is it really worthwhile to be among the "elites" of the next century? Frankly, being elite has never been a worthy accolade in my mind. How about "the honors of honor," or other phrases in the UVa lexicon that most of us tried to emulate to some human degree, over the years? These days, elite has a large price tag and it requires knowledge of technology and "new clothes." I'm wary of it.
Gee and I thought it was because she did not look so good in khakis.
Your theory is provocative and kept me thinking, but I assessed your key claims and don't think they hold water. You can see my reasoning here: http://www.sean-kennedy.com/2012/06/uva-sullivan-…
Thanks, Sean. This is great. My overarching goal in writing the post was to get us thinking about the people who were involved in Sullivan’s resignation and what the public record might tell us about them and about the process that led to her ouster. I appreciate your sharpening the specifics of the theory. I maintain that I think the larger debate about the privatization of higher education and the interests of private vs. public money becoming muddied in that process played a role in her sudden resignation.
You certainly drew my attention to connections between folks I wouldn't otherwise have noticed. We'll have to see what more reporting uncovers; in the meantime, I hope there's still a possibility that Sullivan's removal can be halted. I'm as upset about this as anyone.
but dragas was appointed by tim kaine and kington is a business partner of mark warner…
Yes, but Kington was a major donor to our current Govenor! He is friends of Mark Warner and a business partner but he really supported the Govenor.
Wow, Ms. Angelo. That was indeed awesome investigative work, which though you frame as conjecture ("theory") sounds pretty darn plausible and accurate, especially give it is based, completely, on the BOV's documents! I saw the Governor's involvement only from his denial of interference and matching it up with reality. First, the Governor has been making constant statements about UVa, while encouraging the replacement of Dr. Sullivan ASAP. Why would a governor do this if he is for the "process" working its way forward? It feels like robbing Al Gore all over again in the 2000 elections, and is a clear example of saying one thing and doing another. Second, with Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli going after UVa from 2010-2012, in which UVa spent $600 K beating back the crazy and aggressive tactics of Cucinelli (you really want that guy to be Va's next governor?), seems the Governor indeed had a "dog in the fight" to get rid of Dr. Sullivan.
As for EMC's education plan, it's terrible – sounds way too good to be true and it's not, and as far as I can tell no one who's good at online education (and I mean Stanford, MIT, Harvard) would do that – trusting an outside vendor is a mistake – you have to LIMIT THE VENDOR, not trust the vendor to do it all – they can't and won't. I work up in the norheast at a University with extensive online teaching, and trust me it's a can of worms. Going with a provider will invite heartache and lead to a lack of control over content (imagine buying back the watch that someone stole for you and see how happy you are).
Great investigation. Great connection of dots.
Most compelling evidence comes from Dragas own statement: http://www.virginia.edu/uvatoday/newsRelease.php?…
"We also believe that higher education is on the brink of a transformation now that online delivery has been legitimized by some of the elite institutions."
" We need a leader with a great willingness to adapt the way we deliver our teaching, research, and patient care to the realities of the external environment. We need a leader who is able to passionately convey a vision to our community, and effectively obtain gifts and buy-in towards our collective goals."
Ms. Angelo: I hope you realize you have the outline of a fabulous book about this truly historic event and I further pray you write it. It has it all; palace intrigue, a heroine, several dark characters, political manipulation and an irrefutable money trail.
I agree!
Very nice work … now that Woodword and Bernstein are done with the 40th Anniversary of Watergate maybe they could get on this story for us as well!
Excellent work on your part. Please continue to research this. Unfortunately, money talks so we need to listen to what it and the BOV and the Rector are saying and not let even one comment or insinuation slip through. I will continue watching for your posts. Thanks!
Any connection to Coursera and recent announcement to MIT and Harvard offering on-line courses? http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/03/education/harva…
Seems Wall Street wanting to cash in on unsuspecting students? I think your theory is fascinating and explains a lot .. in view of the closed lip BOV… just a few thoughts…
As a UVA grad (BA, MA), former academic, and business consultant focusing on leadership, my reactions to the resignation of President Sullivan are mixed, but all are colored by disappointment in the Board of Visitors: disappointment in their evident disregard for the reputation of The University; disappointment in their ignorance of the nature of learning and the role of electronic media in the process; and disappointment in their failure to exercise sound judgment in carrying out the responsibilities bestowed upon them by the Commonwealth. Surely the Board must have known at least the outline of President Sullivan's strategic vision when they hired her. Surely they were confident in her ability to organize an effective team comprising cross-disciplinary needs and purposes. And surely they understood her commitment to and support of innovation in matters both fiscal and educational. So what in the past two short years (or less, if some of the evidence here is correct) has changed to so suddenly and thoroughly induce them to change course? Ms. Angelo's hypothesis seems plausible, but if it is true–true that The University would even consider outsourcing their core competence to a private-equity arm of Goldman–then all the hand-wringing in the world, my own included, will not save UVA. When corruption is allowed to foment at the very highest levels of an organization, the entire enterprise is doomed. Poor Mr. Jefferson must be shuddering in his grave.
After the Paul Jones op-Ed this AM I think a new theory is appropriate. Could it be that Sullivan started saying no to gifts that have strings attached?
Only the very wealthy seem to be complaining.
Yes Furious Hoo.
Please see the one minute YouTube video
“Paul and Sonia Jones fund the U.Va. Contemplative Sciences Center”
Video. Only 228 views so far.
Maybe the “philosophical differences” between the President and the Board were whether to dynamically prioritize Yoga Meditation over Classical Studies & Quantum physics.
Thank you for this. Deeply disturbing.
CLAS '88
I have read the long and careful statements today by President Sullivan and Rector Dragas.
Both of them were working toward short and long term improvements for The University.
But as Anne-Marie suspected days ago, their models and methods were very different.
Every giant earthquake has an epicenter.
Using the theory proposed on this most excellent of blogs,
The theory of privatization as a dynamic stragedy seems most urgent to explore.
As the Rector wanted the top/down corporate method of cutting off old and less attended courses, they would be the logical courses to switch to a neutral revenue online vendor approach to teaching. The big money would be developing community college style classes with the UVa Rotunda logo to provide online education to the potentially 100s of thousands of
college age Hispanic students freed up by the US President to continue their US education.
These are just my guesses about what would not mesh with the careful incremental approach of the most qualified President to lead The University:
Teresa Sullivan.
We want Ed Ayers!! Adios Teresa!
I have been an alumnus for 36 years, and this takes the cake as the most disgraceful behavior I have witnessed. The idea that the likes of Goldman Sachs is invading the Jeffersonian domain, and this has precipitated the ouster of a President sickens me to the core. Your writings appear plausible, and probably closer to the truth than the Board of Visitors press releases. Though my means are comparatively modest, I have been a loyal donor through the years, and now, sadly, I shall use the one lever I have at my disposal. My donations are suspended until this matter is resolved in a way that is consistent with Jefferson's vision.
I’d like to be clear that there are a number of members of the University of Virginia community who support the decision of The Board of Visitors, the vast majority of whom are alums and know what’s best for UVA, versus the vision of a first-time university President, non-alum and someone with no prior experience at our beloved University. These individuals may not be speaking up because of the outrage regarding the egregious and unfair nature of her dismissal, which the Board admits, they are out there, and I hope more will step up and show solidarity with our fellow alums, those that believe The University is better served over the long-term under the stewardship of another individual.
Miles, it is difficult to imagine a number of alums supporting the decision of the BOV given that 1.) we have yet to read a cogent description of why it was made, and 2.) it wasn't made by the board, but instead by several individuals including one who wasn't even on the board (Kiernan). Other than that, this alum is with you 100%. Great job, BOV! Let's go, strategic dynamism!
If fundraising isn't off by 25% or more after this, I'll eat my diploma. They've squandered one of the most valuable things we have: our reputation.
Although conspiracy theories are fun, they are rarely based in factual reality. Here is the president in her own words: http://washington.cbslocal.com/2012/06/18/ex-uva-…
The research that was done focused (irrationally) on excerpts from BOV minutes alluding to fiscal issues; a great leap was then taken to tie evil GS to the BOV (and the Governor, who the president actually thanks in her resignation statement) with only circumstantial evidence. E-learning is already being done at the University and a disagreement on HOW it should be pursued is likely one of many disagreements between the president and the Board. It seems more likely that the president was in favor of more "incremental change" (her own words) whcih would protect the faculty and the Board was more in favor of more aggressive change to shore up the strengths of the University, albeit to the detriment of some underperforming units (academic and non-academic) in the system. Anyone who has been inside a corporate board room would recognize what this trully is: simply a Board and its CEO differing on the strategic vision…ultimately, the Board has control, not the executive.
The online education thrust angle seems plausible. Especially when the financial aspects are fully considered. Statements from Dragas allude to the demands of better salary from faculty and of a "wait and see what we got in the works" excuse for the secrecy. Harvard, MIT and Yale have been offering online courses but no degree. If UVa becomes one of the first prestigious University's to confer degrees it would be very lucrative.
See also the remarks of Dragas on June 10th: http://www.virginia.edu/uvatoday/newsRelease.php?…
"We also believe that higher education is on the brink of a transformation now that online delivery has been legitimized by some of the elite institutions."
Nice work… by privatizing 'education', no less, "Wall Street" getting their mits in to the University 'coffers', is it really about education or, getting a cut from the "till" as it were [leverage the brand until the brand is worthless].
Wall Street / Goldman Sachs does not give a hoot whether or not you get an education.. the only thing they care about is finding a way to get their mits in to pockets they currently cannot/have not 'tapped in to'..
Why not just rename the University and cut to the chase? Goldman Sachs University. Period.
Vile.. all vile.
EVEN THE ROCKS CRY OUT
The columns of the Rotunda have spoken.
2 prominent persons against Teresa Sullivan have resigned.
Where there are two, another follows.
A very well-thought out cogent theory!
A few thoughts/questions/speculations on the third person at the Sunday meeting- Hunter Craig?
Why would a Charlottesville guy stick his neck out and be one of the three target conspirators on that Sunday afternoon- for the biggest disgrace that UVA has seen? Granted UVA is not his Alma Mater, but Charlottesville is his home.
He knew exactly what he was walking into, and likely that it would only be half the executive committee. Hunter's a well-established person in the community and has to face all his friends, neighbors, business associates, and the UVA community on a daily basis. Dragas just goes back to Tidewater, sells some more homes hopefully without Chinese drywall… and waits to see if she's reappointed. I agree with an earlier post- she won't be reappointed but she is allowed to save face.
So… What deal was cut for Hunter Craig? What is Hunter gaining out of this that is worth being skewered? Or conversely, what did he stand to lose if he wouldn't be a fall guy? Something do to with Biscuit Run? A divestiture in VNB?
Fast forward to June 18t/19 full BOV meeting…. Here we have Hunter Craig's (almost) 180 degree turn-around…. so completely predictable… Hunter Craig did not suddenly get a backbone… That was ALL about damage control. He still voted with the rest of the Board except Fralin, but made comments about walking in there hoping to vote for President Sullivan's reinstatement and willing to give up his seat on the BOV for a faculty member…. This is his attempt at saving face… what other public opportunity would he have to make conciliatory statements so he would still be able to hold up his head and walk around the fair city of Charlottesville, his home?
I don't think that his statements will fix it… but it certainly raises more than a few questions. Anne Marie or anyone have any ideas?
So yeah…those emails the Cav Daily got their hands on between Kington and Dragas…looks like your theory is getting that much closer to fact. Will be very intriguing to see the full scoop unpacked in the press tomorrow and rest of week. Very well done.
Assume you've seen…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/college-inc/p…
Had not really paid much attention to this theory until I read those emails. Seems as if the arrows are pointing in your direction. One thing is clear. This was either about money or politics, not about differences of philosophy. Dragas and Kington didn't know enough about online education to even have a philosophy.
Nice work, Darby Shaw.
Its wrong for Governors to poliitically appoint board of governors to a university that is supposed to serve the public.. Virginia's constitution needs to be amended.
I just tweeted to the Cavalier Daily:____@jamascooper __For Teresa Sullivan — ROCKS CRY OUT. Used by Shakespeare in J.Caesar & Macbeth. Objects gain voices. 6 Rotunda columns spoke one word.____I suggest ROCKS CRY OUT as the name for the movement to re-instate Dr. Teresa Sullivan. Shakespeare used that image of inaminate objects gaining voices: when the tragedy is extreme and people cannot rectify it. It comes (as students of the Classics and Religion will know, hint hint) from the Old and New Testaments.____The G word on the 6 columns of the Rotunda gave me the idea.____Res ipsa loquitur. ____I hope Anne-Marie gives her imprimatur to ROCKS CRY OUT.____
Have you seen the latest email exchanges between Kington and Dragas? Would suggest that there is something to your theory.
Shakespeare/Jefferson/Sullivan/Rocks Cry Out/Columns Speak
“…every wound of Caesar that should move the stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.”
(Marc Antony)
I have been watching this story unfold over the past 10 days… this is clearly about money money money… very little about value of quality of education or what is best for students in need of higher education.
The passion for education must outweigh the greed in money.. Dragas and Goldman are in bed together to rape the till of the university. Let them move on to the next university to do so… the risk in harvesting your brand and therefore no more seeds shall you sow for higher education is evermore apparent
Five years from now should the Dragas Goldman show be allowed to continue forward, UVa will be a mere speck of nostalgia of .."what was"..
and you will be part of the coulda woulda shoulda club.
Rock on UVa students
thank you for the research and the connecting of some of the pieces – it's very helpful esp to those of us who don't know most of the Virginia players. Your #3 is somewhat at odds with #5, meaning that you get to a definition of privatization as using a public entity like UVa to send revenues to a private operator, but #3 suggests that the private online operator would reinvest in UVa. I've argued that the board came to see sullivan as sticking up for self-governance of educational change by educators (http://utotherescue.blogspot.de/2012/06/all-hell-breaks-loose-at-professional.html) but it would be very interesting if the conflict were more specifically over which way revenues were going to flow — toward the public host or toward the private contractor — in an online effort (cf. the privatization of UCLA's Anderson B-school modeled on Darden in the 1990s ("How the Public Pays for Privatization" http://utotherescue.blogspot.de/2012/06/how-publi…. I hope you keep digging, thanks again.
Look this sounds all good and fun from here…. But I don give a rats as$ about this as long as UVA moves forward.
By the way, president Sullivan was for online education. Please read her 12 page report
The EDMC theory is interesting, but simply doesn't seem to really hold water. EDMC already has extensive online offerings and it unrealistic to think that any UVA president would hand over the University, even an online version, to a for profit company.
http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2012/jul/07/af… You were SO right!
Its always great to see conspiracy news!
To add to what you've written (and I have not read all the comments), I did a bit of online searching a couple of weeks ago and came up with the following:
1) Coursera is being funded by New Enterprise Associates, who used to have as a
consultant one Laura Lukaczyk, who now heads up Avansis Ventures (another venture capitalist firm); she is a Darden MBA graduate and is among those whose names appear in their “2010 Networking Partners” list.
2) In 2000, she and Jeff Neuchterlein served as judges for “Darden's Business Plan Competition”.
3) Neuchterlein, who serves as Chairman for UVA's College Foundation Emeritus Society cosigned a letter (with Peter Brundage, Chairman, College Foundation) to the BOV on June 24, about the reinstatement of Sullivan, ending with this note: “Indeed, many of the issues brought forward through this process are the exact topics on which the College Foundation has been focused since completing the South Lawn.” Neuchterlein is the same guy who two weeks earlier in his e-mail to Dragas complained about Terry Sullivan’s “pedestrian approach” to online learning as he was promoting the Stanford model (e.g., Coursera).
4) Jeff Walker (McIntire ‘77), a board member of UVA’s McIntire school who also sits on the College Foundation board pushed for the Stanford model in his an e-mail to Dragas. He was a panelist at a symposium sponsored by McIntire in 2001 on “The Role of IT in Creating and Sustaining Visionary Organizations” and is a Harvard MBA graduate (‘81).
5) As is John Doerr (Harvard MBA ‘77), one of the funders of Coursera. Interestingly, both he and Walker were contributors to a book published in 2009 entitled _The Masters of Private Equity and Venture Capital_.
6) Mark Kington (Darden ‘88), Vice Chairman of the Board of the UVA Foundation, formerly vice-rector of the BOV is CEO of X 10 Capital Management, LLC, which allocates 27% of its portfolio to “Information Technology”. He is a trustee, appointed by the BOV to sit on the board of the College A&S Foundation, together with Jeff Neuchterlein.
Is there a pattern here, or is this all just a collection of unrelated factoids?