Rules of the Heist…the Formula!
When a new public university president is appointed, and:
They have political connections, and are appointed by a politician or political body. 🚩
They have no previous academic experience. 🚩
They are deeply unpopular with the university community, and take the job anyway. 🚩
Was the process similar to:
Previously appointed to the Board of Governors, or a board of trustees, to give the impression of higher ed credentials where none exist? 🚩
Served a short, partial term? 🚩
Named interim president of the college by a partisan Board of Trustees, subverting search policies in a secretive process—potentially in violation of Sunshine laws—that could only have been predetermined, and to the revulsion of the campus community? 🚩
Six months later, named sole finalist in the presidential search, approved by the partisan Board of Trustees and Board of Governors—from where the sham candidate had only recently departed? 🚩
More than likely:
They will not have submitted a résumé or curriculum vitae in the presidential search process; or will have submitted an incomplete résumé or c.v., or the university will have withheld the résumé or c.v. until after the president’s selection or confirmation. 🚩
The political appointee will own a sole proprietorship or controlling interest in a private company (or several) with cryptic or puzzling activities and limited or no web presence. Chances are the name is generic and includes words like “consulting” and “strategy” and “capital” and “partners.” 🚩
They will have some specialized financial expertise, such as a unique familiarity with tax protections afforded religious institutions or education nonprofits, or knowledge of real estate, or private equity; and special access to key decision makers and resources... 🚩
Might be a Higher Ed Heist!
Padded contracts and kick-backs 💰
Tax dodges 💰
Real estate grifts 💰
Manufacture demand for new curriculum, media, and tech 💰
Endowment access 💰
Or any number of other plays for campus cash! 💰
