Opt For An Open Selection Process

Sat., Jan. 29, 2000

By Doug Floyd dougf@spokesman.com

Sam Smith has compiled an enviable record in 15 years as president of Washington State University. So when he steps down in July, he will leave not only a strong university but also an imposingly high standard for his successor.

That’s healthy. Today’s WSU, with its branch campuses and distance learning, is a more far-reaching one than Smith inherited. And despite uncertain state financial support, it is about to undertake a role in expanding medical research in Eastern Washington. The times call for bold, confident leadership.

Thus, the search committee looking for Smith’s replacement must not only find the right person, it must employ a process that inspires confidence among the campus constituencies with whom the new president must work.

However, there is anxiety in some of those groups, especially the WSU faculty, because the search committee hasn’t committed itself to the open and participatory process promised last summer by chairman Peter Goldmark, president of the WSU Board of Regents. Earlier this month, Goldmark said he still wants to release the names of the finalists and bring them to campus to meet the WSU community before the appointment is made. But he also said the other regents may not go along.

The argument for secrecy is a familiar one: Finalists might include current presidents of other universities. Disclosing their names could make it difficult for them on their home campuses if they don’t get the WSU job. Some able candidates might not want to take that risk.

Whatever the merits of that approach may be, they don’t justify gambling with the university’s and the new president’s chances for a smooth transition.

Fifteen years ago, when WSU was looking for a president to succeed Glenn Terrell, the finalists - none of them sitting presidents - were brought to campus one by one and introduced around. The community had a chance to comment. The respective interest groups felt a sense of participation, of ownership in the choice. It helped Smith get off to the positive start that no doubt contributed to his superb record.

His replacement deserves the same advantage.

Goldmark’s stated objective - an open process with time and opportunity for meaningful feedback from throughout the WSU community - is not merely desirable, it is essential. The regents should make it a solemn commitment.

Local journalism is essential.

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