Over the past few years, I have been one of the most public and outspoken supporters of Radford University President Penny Kyle; a mistake I no longer wish to make. My rationale for writing this editorial is a simple, but powerful word called context.
After writing a well-intentioned letter in the Sunday, Sept. 20, edition of The Roanoke Times, I was aghast to learn how very wrong I have been. I have had my eyes opened by good and decent people to some of the less glamorous aspects of Kyle’s regime. While I maintain that many of her business decisions remain well-merited, I am thoroughly convinced that it is time for a change in Martin Hall.
In the not too distant past, I was involved with the hiring process that brought Kyle to RU. What I saw at that time was a warm, but shrewd business woman that had made sense of one of the most nonsensical sectors around: the lottery. She was my hands-down favorite for the job, and I wrote several articles to that effect while I was involved with the Student Media at RU.
I had the unique perspective of having different interactions with Kyle, and I came away impressed every time. Whether it was a trip to Richmond to lobby for money, an interview, or a casual correspondence I was always struck with that powerful, but also kind person from Galax.
Since her tenure at RU began, I have seen some big changes take place at RU. Provosts have mysteriously come and gone, entire departments have been turned upside down, and the physical and human landscape of RU has all changed dramatically from what it was just over three years ago. Up until now, I thought those changes were totally positive, but now I know better.
While it may sound like a gross exaggeration, I ask that everyone consider the view from outside. As alumni, we essentially see what is broadcast solely for our consumption as a catalyst for donations. We see RU making lists of top institutions, building beautiful new buildings, and winning sports championships. What we do not see, save the help of our friends remaining in the area, is the human cost of those accomplishments.
Fortunately, I have now seen that cost clearly. RU is known for its unique population of eternally positive and caring people. In return for this honest vulnerability, a wolf has been let in with the sheep.
With almost conspiracy-like imagery, the campus of RU has transformed into something I do not recognize. People are being hired and fired based upon internal political squabbles, personal turf battles, and other political vendettas. Students, staff, and faculty are uncomfortable in their own environment because it seems that people who disagree, either in public or private, are apt to disappear in a hurry.
There certainly is something to be said for shrewd business decisions, but cleverness alone won’t keep that ship afloat. If RU continues to transform into a Fortune 500 company instead of perfecting its status as a comprehensive educational institution, there may be little left to restore once Kyle’s regime is resting comfortably back in Richmond.
We can cut out the fiscal fat without cutting out our identity as compassionate people. We can cut out programs that do not fit the long term vision of the University. We can even cut out certain people that unnecessarily stand in the way of needed reform. What we cannot do is stand on the sidelines while a wolf in sheep’s clothing robs away our collective identity as members of the Radford University community.
A high-level source in RU’s Martin Hall told me just days ago that Kyle is contemplating another round of cuts to student affairs personnel as well as possible consolidation of some academic units. Speaking on condition of anonymity, this person also told me that the tempers are flaring so hot in Martin Hall that several members of Kyle’s inner circle are seriously considering abandoning ship. Having long lost the ability to mount an effective public relations operation and win the public’s trust, Kyle is quickly losing allies among what used to be deeply entrenched support.
One thing is for sure; we can do better. Unless the RU Foundation wants me and my peers to stop writing checks to keep this operation going, serious change had better come and it had better come soon. I already had to put a stop payment on one check … hopefully it’ll be the last.
Brian M. Erskine is a 2007 alumnus of Radford University who now lives in Northern Virginia.
14 responses so far ↓
1 Samuel Hill // Sep 22, 2009 at 10:36 am
Brian,
I appreciate this more than you will know. I have been critical of your views in the past even though I respected your right to have them. Let this be a clue that even strong supporters of this administration are starting to question the decisions being made.
2 Plaid Warrior // Sep 22, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Brian…welcome to the side the majority of alumni now sit on.
Unfortunately, the back room whisper and squabbling, the firing of people who step one tow out of PWK’s vision has been going on since she first arrived. It was slow and quiet at first but now everyone knows someone who has been affected.
The sad thing is that if the firings were all justified, RU was a pretty crappy place before 2005. If all the people that have been let go really needed to be replaced or their departments reorganized, then wow, RU must have sucked. But we all know that’s not true. In fact, I would dare say that it’s 10 times worse to work or go to school at RU today then it was in the spring of 2005.
Don’t hit yourself for supporting her at first, I did too. Even as I watched new buildings go up and long-needed improvements take place I said She’s making positive changes, but going about it the wrong way because behind closed doors, bosses and co-workers were being yelled and screamed at in private meetings then ultimately terminated.
It’s not the questionable spending and money allocation that has most of RU up in arms, it’s about how people have been treated, and I’m glad you see that now!
3 Plaid Warrior // Sep 22, 2009 at 12:24 pm
toe, not tow. Sorry. I had to fire my E this morning in the name of budget cuts. It’s duties were assumed by W.
4 Flyonwall // Sep 22, 2009 at 3:44 pm
It is a most toxic and hateful environment. Blame is the coin of the realm, and the staff is afraid to speak out, venture an opinion or disagree, even in a most collegial manner, with the inner circle. Good ideas are banished simply because of who proposed them, long-term employees with love for the university and exceptional talent are denigrated and duplicity is the order of the day. In meeting after meeting, the president’s inner circle bashes the employees they despise, the community members they resent and the alumni who have yet to sip the Kool-Aid.
5 Sad Faculty Member // Sep 22, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Brian,
Thank you for speaking out. Your voice will be respected because you were both open to changing your mind and willing to state publicaly that you had done so. I don’t think we can ask more of an RU graduate than that he be open-minded and plain-spoken.
6 Sad Faculty Member // Sep 22, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Correction to above: publicly
7 RU Ready 4 Change // Sep 22, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Brian, thanks for the well written about face. I appreciate you seeing what is really happening.
I agree, if Penny wants our money as alum then she needs to leave!!!! I will pledge my yearly donation TODAY and write the Check the DAY she leaves our university. I spent years at RU as an undergraduate then graduate student and have taught there 14 years. I feel like a stranger in my own house. Enough is enough!!!
It is time to take a stand.
8 JMiller // Sep 22, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Brian,
That was a very well written article. It has been almost 8 years since I graduated from RU and over 11 since I entered as a Freshman. RU always had its problems and internal politics but it had a way of keeping family first and loyality to faculty and students. I know Doug Covington would not be happy with all the changes at RU.
9 Thomas Martin // Sep 22, 2009 at 7:06 pm
For those interested in getting involved, please be aware that S.A.L.A. (Students Advocating the Liberal Arts) is now an official club on campus. S.A.L.A aims to preserve the integrity of our education here at Radford. S.A.L.A. often meets with high level Administration officials (including recently, Norleen Pomerantz and have upcoming meetings with W. Stanton and S. Nape.)
Be heard by the administration! Join S.A.L.A!
First meeting Thursday 24th at 7pm, Heth 022.
All are welcome!
10 B // Sep 22, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Nice article Brian. We need to make sure ALL the students know the facts so we can get them on the same page. Does anyone know what the actual student newspaper is doing or are they restricted from writing “opinions” these days. I believe the PK administrators think that this incident will blow over….on the contrary more people are jumping on board each day. Tisk tisk to think they can treat people like this.
11 Outraged Observer // Sep 22, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Penny needs to leave RU! Get rid of her! Five demographic groups in Radford are against her style of “leadership” — the students, the faculty, the alumni, the employees (non-faculty staff), and the residents of Radford. Her leadership style is an arrogant, corporate-above-all, noncompassionate, 1980s Wall Street approach. Recently, she touted Radford’s increased prestige in a national publication. Obviously, she did not read the entire article, because the article also stated that the heads of other (more prestigious) universities had declined their anticipated bonus pay in order to benefit their schools — while she, as we well know — did not. Her salary and bonus pay are absolutely, completely out of line with current economic conditions. Furthermore, as another example of the result of the decisions she has made, prospective students are deciding not to attend RU because they have no guarantee that their majors will still exist when they attempt to graduate after four years. Penny is completely self-absorbed, money-hungry and egotistical. Enough is enough!
12 Absurdity of it All // Sep 23, 2009 at 12:19 am
Nice job Brian. I know it wasn’t easy, but the right thing to do. I was with you in support and also was a part of the process. I saw signs early one and they bore out. It is good that it is finally being recognized. The first step towards moving forward is the recognition of a problem. The masses are coming along to realize what is at stake. Let’s hope the next steps go much much faster.
13 Voiceover: Come on Down! // Sep 23, 2009 at 7:52 am
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14 RC Grad // Sep 23, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Nice article Brian. I am so glad you have finally seen the light. Now how much longer will it take the Board of Visitors to be enlightened???
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