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…
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!
Paded contracts and kick-backs
Tax dodges
Real estate grifts
Endowment access
Or any number of other plays for campus cash!
