At U-Va., tensions persist between Sullivan and Dragas

At U-Va., tensions persist between Sullivan and Dragas

By Jenna Johnson, Mar 02, 2013 03:15 AM EST

The Washington Post Published: March 1

CHARLOTTESVILLE — The University of Virginia’s president and governing board leader have, in public, maintained an air of united collegiality for the past eight months, hoping to move beyond the summer’s leadership crisis. ... Out of sight, tension has continued to build between U-Va. President Teresa Sullivan and U-Va. Board of Visitors Rector Helen Dragas as they struggle for control over the university’s agenda and priorities, according to several people close to the situation.

In recent weeks, the conflict hit a boiling point. Days after Virginia lawmakers confirmed Dragas’s reappointment to the board in January, the rector sent the president a lengthy and detailed list of goals to meet this school year. Sullivan, apparently incensed, responded by sending the entire board an e-mail arguing that the 65 goals constitute, among other things, “micromanagement.”
....

Most board members declined to publicly discuss the tense exchange between Sullivan and the board last month. William H. Goodwin Jr., a Richmond businessman who was recently appointed to the board, said that differences of opinion and discussion are central to a healthy governing board. He was angry that the internal e-mail was shared with The Post and argued that the news media should not report on issues that cast U-Va. in a poor light. He said that there is no tension between the board and the administration.

“You are making a mountain of a molehill,” Goodwin said. “My involvement is really going smoothly. The only deterrent is the Freedom of Information Act,” he said, and state laws that require the board to meet publicly.

Yes, we mustn't cast UVa in a poor light. That would be so ... lower class. Also, what does he mean when he says that FOIA is a deterrent? Deterrent to what? The board's ability to be accountable to no one? Or am I misinterpreting his statement?

The CD didn't care much for Dragas and had hoped that she not be reappointed. Let's go over there to see their take on this....

http://www.cavalierdaily.com/

OK, it's the weekend. I'll check back on Monday. Please, Anonymous, find that list of demands and leak it.

Bonus link: The CD got its hands on the UVa-Coursera contract.

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/609369-final-coursera-agreement.html