Faculty Criticizes UI Ad For President Philosophy Doctorate Not Among Requirements

Some faculty members at the University of Idaho are unhappy that national advertisements for the school’s next president say a philosophy doctorate is not required.

Ads appeared this week in national publications for candidates to succeed former president Elisabeth Zinser, who resigned in July to take a Kentucky higher education job.

Faculty members complained about the provision, at a campus meeting to discuss qualifications of the new president.

“The person should have some academic experience,” said physics professor Phillip Deutschman. “I prefer the scholar over the CEO or manager-type.”

The advertisement calls for an earned doctorate, other appropriate terminal degree or equivalent experience. Rayburn Barton, executive director for the state Board of Education, said the advertisement was approved by the presidential screening committee.

Barton said the committee received requests to require a doctorate of philosophy degree of candidates, but didn’t go along.