Opportunity available to all in dean vacancy

After three months of waiting, the anticipated resignation of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Yueh-Ting Lee, may finally provide what has so far alluded administrators, faculty members and students: a chance for reconciliation and dialogue.

After months of hearing Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett and UT President Lloyd Jacobs publicly support the dean and voice their commitment to "working" with him, the announcement of Lee's "lateral transition" caught many off guard. The president and provost curiously moved from stalwartly supporting Lee to characterizing his decision to resign as dean as what's in the "best interest of everyone."

In lieu of Lee as dean, a grand chance is open to all involved parties at UT to promote harmony between the administration and faculty. While faculty members undoubtedly want someone chosen from their ranks and administrators would certainly prefer someone with their worldview, both the interim and the future permanent dean of the CAS should be someone who appeals to and can advocate for both parties. Only a true mediator will work, as any partisan candidate will probably be forced out by either administrators or faculty members.

This ideal candidate will certainly be hard to find, but an avid search will undeniably be worth the effort. If a suitable candidate can be found at UT, let that person rise to the task. In the absence of such a homegrown leader, a rigorous national search that is transparent, reviewable and led by both faculty members and administrators should be convened. This university cannot let history repeat itself, wasting yet another academic year over dean-related discontent and the funds and time involved in a third dean search.

Deans are, at best, conduits for communication and advocacy on behalf of both administrators and faculty members. Lines of communication should not have to haphazardly run from faculty-led councils and attached blogs to administrators. We must come together to find the right person for this crucial job.