Guest: Will Todd Lamb be a successful UCO president? It's unknown, but let process unfold
I have been closely following the ongoing debate regarding the selection of Todd Lamb as the president of the University of Central Oklahoma, and it is with great interest and concern that I share my thoughts. Universities hold a significant role in the well-being of their communities and the state at large, making this debate an emotionally charged one. Having had the privilege of serving on two university governing bodies, I have witnessed similar discussions unfold numerous times. During my initial appointment in the 1980s to the board of regents at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, most presidential searches concluded with the selection of an individual from an academic background.
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However, as the higher education funding model transitioned from a "state-supported" to a "state-assisted" approach, the responsibilities of the university president evolved. The survival and prosperity of universities began to rely heavily on external funding. Therefore, it became essential for the president to possess a unique skill set that encompassed public relations, fundraising, university management and curriculum oversight. It was often challenging for individuals with a strictly academic background to excel in these multifaceted roles. Consequently, it became more expedient to hire someone with expertise in public relations and management, entrusting them to select a capable vice president of academic affairs.
Before my appointment to the RUSO board, I had the opportunity to observe nonacademic figures appointed as presidents of several universities, including some politicians. Initially, I shared concerns about these appointments, as they seemed to bear the mark of political patronage. However, I must acknowledge that some of these individuals proved to be outstanding presidents. Remarkable leaders at UCO like Roger Webb, who hailed from the department of public safety, and George Nigh, a former governor. Similarly, Glen Johnson, at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, who served as speaker of the House and later became chancellor, as well as Burns Hargis, who came from the private sector and assumed the presidency of Oklahoma State University, were among the finest representatives of what Oklahoma has to offer.
Having served on several search committees, and even leading one myself, I can attest to the arduous task these individuals face. Faculty, alumni, donors, the Legislature and the community all have their voices and opinions, but often they do not align. The search committees are commonly composed of alumni, donors, faculty, regents, students and community leaders. It is an enormous challenge for search committees to navigate these varied perspectives and select the individual who will best lead the university.
Frequently, the preferred candidate of a specific constituency does not emerge as the final choice. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to an "I am going to take my bat and ball and go home" attitude, with faculty threatening boycotts, donors withholding funds, the Legislature expressing dissatisfaction, and the community growing frustrated. Nonetheless, it is an integral part of the process that ensures a diverse number of voices are heard, and more often than not, the chosen candidate proves to be an excellent leader. I have even chaired a search committee where my preferred candidate was not selected, but I lived to see another day.
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While I cannot predict whether Lamb will make an effective president or not, I firmly believe that we should allow the results of the process to unfold. The process is a sound one, so we should let the results play out. For the sake of UCO, the Edmond community and the state of Oklahoma, we should all help Lamb be successful.
Steve Poag is a former businessman from Chickasha and served on the boards of regents for the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and Regional University System of Oklahoma.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Guest: UCO president selection process is sound; let results play out
