Kenneth Walker, district president at Edison State College, has agreed to meet with faculty, but doesn?t want to wait until Monday.
He?s set aside time at 4 pm Thursday to listen to professors? concerns.
About 75 instructors met Tuesday to discuss concerns with senior administration and management of the college. They planned to issue a letter requesting Walker?s presence next week, but he preempted that meeting by creating his own forum Thursday.
From todays The News-Press
Faculty members at Edison State College have questions, and they expect District President Kenneth Walker to answer them – face to face.
Professors, frustrated with college management, will meet 4 pm Monday to clear the air.
Chief concerns include departures of several well-liked administrators, a complaint from two vice presidents about discriminatory hiring practices and Walkers compensation package, which was reported in Tuesdays News-Press.
Given the changes weve seen at the college and the pressure were under because of accreditation, we have concerns, said humanities professor Russell Swanson. For an institution to be at such a crucial point in our colleges future, this isnt the best timing.
About 75 professors gathered Tuesday via video conference to outline their concerns, which include:
- Departures: Former Provost Noreen
Thomas resigned the day before James Browder started his job as vice president for operations in October; Lee Campus President James Martin was transferred to the Collier campus in January; and Vice President for Academic Affairs Steve Atkins resigned March 14. Atkins departure shocked staff because he was leading Edisons accreditation efforts.
It seems out of character for him to abandon us, Swanson said.
- Compensation: Professor Marty Ambrose, the faculty unions chief negotiator, said administration has refused to provide a breakdown of executive salaries and benefits during collective bargaining. Students would like that information as well, according to sophomore Michael Murphy.