I’m guessing that there are few positives in being a martyr. And I realize that I’m probably using the term “martyr” a bit loosely. But a day after Mike Dunn and Marc Jacobsen were sacked from their jobs at Radford University, and their department, New Student Programs, was “re-organized,” I have to wonder if Dunn and Jacobsen haven’t taken one—a big one— for the team.
In a moment of self-disclosure, I admit that I know Mike and Marc personally. I worked with them on a very peripheral basis when I was employed at RU from the fall of 2004 until the fall of 2007, when I left to launch the New River Voice. We’re not best friends by any means. Mike and I have never socialized in any way outside of work. But I know them to be compassionate men who cared deeply about students and who gave their all to Radford University.
Just this past summer, I wanted to attend a Salem Red Sox game one Saturday and was looking for someone to ride up and take in a game with me. I called Marc and he couldn’t attend because he was spending his whole Saturday preparing for upcoming new student orientation sessions. I remember thinking then, “Does he think RU would show him the same dedication as he’s showing them?” On Monday that question was answered.
Mike and Marc were unceremoniously terminated—their computers locked, their e-mail inaccessible, their keys taken. They were given a few hours to pack up years of belongings—24 years for Mike, 10 for Marc.
By lunchtime, I was receiving phone calls and text messages from RU acquaintances to inform me of what had happened. I heard from faculty, staff, former faculty and staff, and students—and then later in the day, alumni. And while the RU administration can deny that faculty/staff morale is quite possibly at an all-time low, I can attest by the tone of my correspondence yesterday that morale at RU is very low, and this incident lowered it a few more notches.
I have been amazed that so many negative things have happened at RU during the administration of President Penny Kyle, most of which received very little commentary or protest from the University community. Part of that may be because faculty and staff are scared for their jobs. Monday’s firings were another shot across the bow for any who might question the decisions of the likes of Kyle, Provost Wil Stanton, and Vice President of Student Affairs Norleen Pomerantz. Mike and Marc asked questions. Today they’re probably watching SportsCenter all morning because they don’t have a job.
I’ve expressed my concern about RU’s Board of Visitors—in fact, more than once. I’ve expressed my thoughts about R.J. Kirk leaving the BOV. But at the New River Voice, we strongly believe that we are your voice. And in listening to your voice, it is why I say that these firings have invigorated the campus in a way I haven’t seen—even during the expedited academic review process or after the disastrous budget open forum both from last spring.
So, what are you—the public, our loyal readers—saying about this matter? Here is a sampling from comments to our previous story about the demise of New Student Programs as well as e-mails and other correspondence I’ve been privy to:
• “Mike and Marc were two of the best bosses I’ve ever had in my entire career. Not only that, but they have amazing hearts, and care so passionately for everyone they come across, and especially all of us that worked with them. I’m outraged, and disgusted at how dishonorably they were let go.”
• “This is a sad day for my alma mater.”
• “Mike Dunn was one of the most influential faculty members during my undergraduate term at Radford University. I worked closely with both Mike and Mark functioning as a Quest Assistant as well as a University 100 student instructor. Mike was the reason I was as involved in so many organizations and I believe these men were the reason I succeeded so well, both in my academic and personal lives. To eliminate such valuable assets to the Radford family is appalling.”
• “I’ve known and worked with Mike Dunn for well over a decade and known him to be a tremendous asset to the university. It’s a shame to see him treated in this way considering the service he’s given to the university. I understand that cuts sometimes need to be made but doing this without warning?”
• “NSP, specifically Mike and Marc were the reason so many RU students chose a career in student programs. Mike was the heart and soul of the program and Marc the guy behind the scenes who helped make QUEST and other programs run so smoothly. RU administration has made a BIG mistake thinking people are accepting the ‘budget cut’ story … no one is that stupid.”
• “Mike and Marc, you were two of the nicest, most hardworking, and fair people I had the chance to work with at Radford University. They have done both of you a grave disservice. WE ARE BEHIND YOU! Alumni will NOT stand for this.”
• “I am outraged at the way this was handled! RU used to be one of the most amazing places. I was a student there and an employee for several years.”
• “I am sad to be an alum of an institution that would treat such great staff in this way. RU will never be the same great place I was a part of.”
• “Budget reductions may require the elimination of programs and positions at Radford University and other state agencies. Under no circumstances, however, do budget reductions and difficult decisions warrant treating loyal and faithful members of the University community as though they were criminals.”
• “My thoughts on this are that our highly-touted retention rate will take a nosedive, resulting in further student reductions.”
• “Right now faculty morale is in the pits. Distrust is pervasive. Powerlessness is palpable.”
• “Think of the dozens and dozens of other staff members and untenured faculty who are now fearful that their jobs will disappear overnight.”
• “This administration does not like people telling it the truth and I believe this administration is perfectly willing to use the budget as an excuse to settle scores with folks who ask questions.”
• “I am deeply saddened at the loss of Marc and Mike as a part of the RU Faculty and Staff. As an RU Alumni, I had the great opportunity to work with both and they left a great impact on my experience at Radford. Why are we losing the most influential staff members at RU? Marc, Mike, Steve Lerch, and many more.”
• “As a former QA and PI, full-time employee and someone who looks to Mike and Marc and all of NSP as mentors and friends in my college career AND BEYOND, I don’t even know where to begin. My life and countless others were positively and drastically changed for the better because of these men. … The budget cuts have been terrible and necessary, we know that, but it’s appalling as to how these situations have been handled in the last year.”
So what are your thoughts on what is happening at RU? Let us know. You can comment below or send a letter to the editor to voicemail@newrivervoice.com. Letters to the editor must include a full name, city and state, and contact info so we can verify the letter’s author. Remember we are your voice for the Valley!
Tim W. Jackson is Editor of the New River Voice.
26 responses so far ↓
1 Liz Altieri // Sep 15, 2009 at 11:12 am
I would say that not only is faculty morale at an all time low, but anger is at an all time high. For me personally as a faculty member, that anger is palpable … I am seething. I am appalled at the havoc that has been wreaked on Radford University and our reputation within the community and the state. I work within a department where leadership is shared, collegiality and collaboration is a way of being, and our values about teaching and learning frame our work. I cherish this. But we are no longer insulated. Reality has hit home. This is no longer the kind of university environment I would choose to work within. I am embarrassed and outraged. I am envious of faculty at neighboring institutions – Ferrum and Emory & Henry – who are lucky and smart enough to have chosen female Presidents who exemplify strong and balanced female leadership. My only hope is that the Board of Visitors will finally wake up and realize the complete disaster they have on their hands under the current top administration. I’ve never written anything like this before but it’s time for action.
2 finallyahokie // Sep 15, 2009 at 11:21 am
I am so pissed right now that as I type this and look upl at my 2 degrees from RU..I want to knock them off the wall..This is absolutely disgusting! Mike and Marc were the cream of the crop….and the reasoning is MONEY….well maybe if Penny didnt get a 100% + RAISE IN ONE YEAR..THERE WOULD BE MONEY! I want someone to explain the rationale behind her salary going from $143,624 (2008)to $290,299 (2009)
3 ?Everything // Sep 15, 2009 at 11:25 am
Staff moral is also at an all-time low.
4 Ayn Rand // Sep 15, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Kirk wins. RU is now truly an american business where the decision makers and their minions receive raises and promotions while the institution goes down the tubes. Where the ulimate responsibility lies in a Board of Visitors that is modeled after Enron’s, et al Board of Directors. Penny Kyle, Will Stanton, et al are serious students of Machiavelli or incompetent, either way the results are the same. They hang on to their salary increases while those that actually deliver on RUs promises are treated as chattel. I wonder if Penny and Will laugh at the suckers complaining knowing that the fix is alreasdy in.
Remember Penny was the head of the lottery when tickets were sold after the big prizes were awarded.
5 mdr // Sep 15, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I would like to second Liz’s response. Though we work in different departments at RU, I would describe mine the way that she has described hers.
6 Sad Faculty Member // Sep 15, 2009 at 1:20 pm
My daughter has been looking forward to attending RU, but now I find myself thinking the unthinkable. I may have to advise her to go elsewhere until sanity returns to this university
7 Disgusted // Sep 15, 2009 at 5:06 pm
So Norleen was the first to anty up – who is going to be next? What could top this – this unthinkable treatment of two of the university’s most highly respected staff members? Will the AD stop a sporting event in progress and tell the coach his program has been cut? Don’t know. What we do know is that everyone is vulnerable now. RU will be just a shell of itself when PK is done!
8 jim // Sep 16, 2009 at 10:35 am
I am a retired faculty member. I am sickened by the condescension and arrogance of this current regime. The entire upper administration needs to walk the plank.
I would not, under any circumstances, recommend that any parent sent their son or daughter to this institution. It lacks integrity, leadership, and a moral compass. Perhaps when the enrollments drop by several hundred more students, someone will take notice. Kyle, in the vernacular, you suck. The sound can be heard in Richmond.
9 Susi // Sep 16, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I am saddened deeply by the amount of insanity that is being brought upon Radford University. My Letters are in the mail, my posts on the internet, my emails are being sent… I encourage all students, faculty, staff, family, and alumni to write letters and send them to any address you can find. We need to help Radford University return to the Radford University that so many of loved and remember.
10 Tim C. // Sep 16, 2009 at 2:25 pm
I work within Higher Education. With the exception of firing for cause, all lay-offs are handled with dignity and folks are given plenty of notice. But this isn’t the case at RU. Nothing is thought out there. Everything is a reaction with the worst course chosen each and every time. This firing of two indviduals was personal. Mass lay-off as we will experience are done in MASS as a part of an overall reduction PLAN. To single folks out in this manner, to escort them out the door in this manner sends a very clear message of intimidation to all that remain. This type of behavior has been going on for years now and nothing changes. We post on these blogs, complain to the whomever will listen and shake our heads, but to no avail. The Roanoke Times finally started paying heed about a year ago, thank goodness. Her detractors are many, her allies few, but those allies are powerful and in control. The track record of leadership deficiency is deafening but those in charge are deaf. I like the irony analogy as she does specialize in that. Just recently she and her puppet Stanton (who was an avid PK critic prior to his “promotion” and after being passed over the first time he applied for the Provost position) staged a mea culpa in front of us, apologizing for their past mistakes while pledging better communication and good will. If this most recent action is an example, we are in for an arduous and heated process. I am reminded of an old cartoon that is a favorite of mine and typifies the RU working/leadership enviroment. It is of a prisoner strapped to a wall with the comment, “The beatings will stop once morale improves.” Here’s to our collective morale improving!
11 NRJMike // Sep 16, 2009 at 3:40 pm
You people are poster children for the stereotypical academic ivory tower geeks. As I have said many times, I think the administration at RU is short on experience and possibly competence in dealing with people issues. But having said that, employees of academic institutions are some of the most priviledged people in the world, living for the most part off the public dole. Imagine how many of you would have jobs, or how many of you students would be able to afford to attend the school if it actually had to support itself. And you have the nerve to complain when huge budget deficits upset your little world?? Give me a break.
12 The Man Who Snarls // Sep 16, 2009 at 3:57 pm
No one is disputing that the budget is a problem, or that cuts have to be made. But you seem to be suggesting that we should all lay on our backs and accept that it’s okay for the top-dogs to take pay raises and then turn around and take a fiscal dump on their employees. You’re right when you say that this happens all of the time and everywhere–but how in the blue perfect hell does that make it okay?!
Your stance is that no one who opposes this knows how the real world works–that we’re naive and foolish. Well, I’d say a good deal of us feel the same way about your position. It seems awfully juvenile from where I’m sitting. “This is okay because it’s the way it is.” Malarkey!
If every university president slaughtered infants on a throne of virgin skulls, and then Penny K. and Willy Stanton slayed a few fetuses, would that make that okay, too? Or does your “it’s okay if everyone else is doing it” mentality only apply when it comes to money?
13 Paul T // Sep 16, 2009 at 5:38 pm
NRJMike-I would like to hear your explanation why you think employees at academic institutions are “some of the most privledged people in the world.” It has been my experience that people who make statements like that actually have no idea what being a university professor entails, the number of weekly work hours that are required, or the suprisingly low pay in many disciplines. In addition, why are you evaluating university employees differently than those in other state run organizations? Aren’t other state employees “living off the public dole” as you disparagingly suggest? And since you seem to have such disdain for academics, are you prepared to train our next generation of scientists, politicians, lawyers, nurses, and teachers? Where do you think we would be in America without your so-called “ivory tower geeks”?
14 RU4Reel // Sep 17, 2009 at 11:52 am
NRJMike – From your previous statements one can easily surmise that you have never worked at (or maybe even attended) an institution of higher education.
What concerns me most is your statement, “employees of academic institutions are some of the most privileged people in the world, living for the most part off the public dole.” What an imperceptive and very much unsubstantiated statement (except in the case of your friend, PK). Do you not know how many university employees (think office staff, housekeeping, grounds, dining) work at salaries much lower than their public sector counterparts? No, you didn’t even think about them, did you? Most superior type people wouldn’t. Also, when you say “public dole” don’t forget that every single state employee pays taxes just like everyone else.
Having worked at two major Virginia universities for over 30 years, I know plenty about budget cuts and how good administrators handle such situations. I’ve also seen the old statement, “power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely” proven over and over again. This, I’m afraid, is what has happened at RU.
15 Plaid Warrior // Sep 17, 2009 at 12:32 pm
NRJMike–Funny, most of Penny’s dismissals haven’t been faculty, but staff and Admin faculty. Maybe you don’t know how a university works, but it takes a lot more than just professors to run one. Do you think the custodial staff thinks they are privileged when they clean up Johnny Freshman’s barf? When I do a salary calculator on my job in the corporate world, it tells me I should be making 2-3 times what I make. The pay isn’t great, the hours suck in my role, but I love what I do. If by privileged you mean we’re lucky to love what we do, then yes. I am. And by the way, I’m not a faculty member. And as someone who has had numerous dealings with this administration, none of her firings are about budget reduction. If you truly believe that this is about cuts, look at the hires she’s made. She has upped the salary of every one of those positions, including making one position, that was paid 40-50,000 a six figure salary. Everything they do is personal.
16 RU Alumni Support for Change // Sep 17, 2009 at 4:24 pm
People are important to any organization and yes how that organization treats it people will determine its long term success.
This BLOG reports one side of a story, and it is unjust to lay ever action at President Kyle’s feet. RU is a large organization and she must delicate decision authority. If someone on her staff implemented a policy before that policy was ready then that person should be counseled. The person should also be taught how to implement a reduction in force (RIF). It is never easy to lay staff off; but is also not easy to run and lead complex organizations.
Last time I checked RU was public and thus Richmond, VA is very powerful. RU must compete for students, budget, and brand awareness.
I argue that change is good and that change management is one of the toughest things to implement. If RU does not change and improve then these BLOGS will have no place and RU will not be around to be discussed.
I would be interested in seeing a list of improvements under this leadership.
I share the ones I am aware of:
1- We can brag that we have doctoral students program. A doctorate no less being offered at RU, impressive!
2- Student Athletes representing RU on the public stage and WINNING!
3- A strategic master plan taking RU into the future.
17 Tim C. // Sep 17, 2009 at 6:27 pm
That is too funny. Three good things in three plus years. That warrants a $1 million bonus! Of the three, only number 1 is worth anything. The strategic plan is all marketing no substance. On one hand you say that she has no control as she delegates and then you give her credit for what happens on the court. Good one. Back to the delegation comment, PK doesn’t delegate and that is the problem. She micro-manages and then blames others when things go wrong. So you have three “good” things in three plus years. How many bad things are there? As much as one tries to make a case in favor of PK the sheer volume of documentable actions far outweighs your three suspect good things. Nice try though…
18 JustAnotherPeon // Sep 17, 2009 at 7:14 pm
RU Alumni Support for Change wrote:
1- We can brag that we have doctoral students program. A doctorate no less being offered at RU, impressive!
The doctoral program in Psychology you reference was in the works before Penny Kyle ever set foot on campus. She can’t really take credit for it, even if its final approval happened after she came to campus.
What really galls people on campus is the way this was carried out. Two people who’ve been one of the major faces of RU to any number of students and who worked their hearts out for RU were casually discarded and treated like they were criminals. The way in which this was done is antithetical to the values that RU espouses, and says all you need to know about the character of many of those in current RU administration.
RU had a good soul and character when I came here a number of years ago. It doesn’t anymore. I’d wouldn’t let my kids go there, the way things are.
“RU: Investing in Administrators’ Bank Accounts”
19 RU Alumni Support for Change // Sep 17, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Of the three, only number 1 is worth anything.
Question: The other two carry weight on many fronts for the University
The strategic plan is all marketing no substance.
Question: Can you support this statement; based on your response you must have some authority in its implementation
On one hand you say that she has no control as she delegates and then you give her credit for what happens on the court.
Answer: Context might help here…I stated that it was reported someone on her staff not her implemented the reduction in force. I did not agree or disagree with the employees selected because I do not have nor would I have these details. You must, please share. Also, facts are required. My statement did not lead anyone to believe she has “no” control. I said “RU is a large organization and she must delicate decision authority. If someone on her staff implemented a policy before that policy was ready then that person should be counseled. The person should also be taught how to implement a reduction in force (RIF). It is never easy to lay staff off; but is also not easy to run and lead complex organizations.”
Back to the delegation comment, PK doesn’t delegate and that is the problem.
Question: Can you support this claim with facts or is it just your professional opinion
She micro-manages and then blames others when things go wrong.
Question: Can you support this claim with facts or is it just your professional opinion
As much as one tries to make a case in favor of PK the sheer volume of documentable actions far outweighs your three suspect good things.
Question: You lead us to believe that you have more then what has been posted “documented actions”, share. Also, you state above that out of the three “Number 1 is worthy” seems odd to kill it after you just supported it above. “Suspect” leads us to believe you did not agree with it in the first place.
Nice try though…
Answer: Just reading all the hate mail and it seems odd that no one has anything positive to say about where the university is headed. In the real world people get laid off all the time. When I read about the university I see projects like (1) – Covington Center for the Visual and Performing Arts (2) College of Business and Economics funding (3) – Campus renovations
These projects do not fall out of the sky; RU must position its self and work towards these goals. If I am to believe your posting this is not progress and leadership was not required. It just happened… maybe RU is just in the right place at the right time and the tooth fairly put these under the university’s pillow.
20 NRV FairPlay // Sep 17, 2009 at 11:05 pm
No one should even pay any attention to NRVMike. He just likes to insult people without basis, has irrational grudges against people he knows nothing about, and just wants attention.
He always weighs in on controversies…with his ridiculous comments. IGNORE HIM.
21 Tim C. // Sep 18, 2009 at 1:02 am
Ahhh the latest news from our dysfunctional university. This is rich. She didn’t know. That explains it. The VP acted alone, a regular Lee Harvey. The spokesman Douglass was in on it too defending from day one. That is two administrators that acted alone or in concert with no knowledge from PK. I find that soooo hard to believe given her control freakish nature and mini-me minnion Jo Kiernan. If PK really thinks it shouldn’t have happened, why not offer their jobs back? Norleen will be gone within 6 months.
22 Flyonwall // Sep 18, 2009 at 4:57 pm
I was a fly on the wall at Radford. I was able to see the senior leadership close up and I have to laugh when Kyle says she didn’t know about these dismissals. No one at Radford passes wind without permission of the president, and when the act is accomplished, Kiernan is sent to the scene to critique the result. In the course of my long career in academics, I have met people less qualified to run a university than this crew. They were driving garbage trucks.
23 Tim C. // Sep 18, 2009 at 11:03 pm
It is always the cover-up that brings people down.
24 College of Education // Sep 19, 2009 at 9:47 am
RU’s new motto. “And we thought Dr. Covington was bad”.
25 Rob Godby // Sep 19, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Hmm…I’ve noticed you can open a door in Young Hall with an iPhone, but we can’t keep the doors to New Student Programs open. Sure, it’d be nice to flush a toilet with my Blackberry, but I’d rather have excellent leadership who care for students (That would be Mike Dunn, NOT Penny Kyle, but that’s pretty obvious).
I have a great job in NYC…because of Mike Dunn. The skills that I learned from him during my experiences as a QUEST (Yes, PK it’s called QUEST – why she felt the desire to change the name is an entirely different topic), UNIV 100 Peer Instructor, Transfer Assistant and SORTS Mentor.
I use the skills I learned during my time working in New Student Programs to get where I am now.
26 Jayden Katorsky // Sep 20, 2009 at 12:17 am
In this culture of Lie cheat steal your way to the top,who can blame kyle?Sounds like she is on her way to the political scene…GO kyle!! Forget Integrity..todays theme is corruptness.maybe obama will send some bailout money to supplement her ever rising salary,after all she deserves it, she is ruthless,she is THE face of RU,and you guys are just chumps compared to her. be quite and let her bask in the light of her own self delusion…and be thankful such an enlightened person is leading you,otherwise you might fall by the wayside .
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