Kenneth Evans withdraws from SIUC chancellor search
April 27, 2020
Kenneth Evans, SIUC chancellor search finalist and president of Lamar University, has withdrawn from the search.
According to an email by SIU System President Dan Mahony, Evans withdrew from the search on Sunday.
“We are grateful for Dr. Evans’ interest and wish him continued success at Lamar,” Mahony said.
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Evans has been president of Lamar University in Texas since 2013.
This announcement comes after SIU’s Faculty Association recommended candidates Susan Stapleton and Austin Lane for the position.
(See more: SIUC Faculty Association recommends Stapleton, Lane for chancellor position)
In an email to faculty, Faculty Association President Dave Johnson said the association did not recommend Evans because he did not show understanding of the principles of shared governance.
“His track record at Lamar University, and his answers in interviews, demonstrate to us that he would adopt a much more top-down approach,” Johnson said.
Mahony’s email said the search will move forward with the remaining finalists.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Tony Williams • Apr 28, 2020 at 3:07 pm
Rather than a new search, the whole process needs to be postponed until the very serious issues facing SIUC are addressed. In the meantime, Mahoney can earn his “guaranteed platinum parachute” by being interim Chancellor (without extra money) similar to the function Randy Dunn earlier performed following the loss of one Chancellor. Among such serious problems needing instant address are how the financial debacle that the State will face affects SIUC? Will the University face a financial exigency involving layoffs similar to the purge of 1973? What alternatives does the Administration have planned in case another situation like this occurs again? Will SIUC become a 100% online University and will it provide remaining staff with updated online equipment and facilities that the institution will pay for rather than the “lucky” survivors who keep their jobs by paying for the privilege of working? I know of one person who does not have adequate home internet facilities and is still coming in to work to help SIUC and students. There must be others. The damning silence of both the Administration and Faculty Association on these issues is so revealing.
Also, remember, that it will soon be the Summer Break, the time when students and most faculty are not on campus to contribute their voices to decisions that will be made about their future. There are more crucial issues facing this campus than the appointment of what may be an inadequate Chancellor and the main one concerns both the short and long term future of this University.
Robert J Galt • Apr 28, 2020 at 10:40 am
SIUC needs to start over with a new candidate search. Evans apparently wouldn’t give the Faculty enough power. Stapleton doesn’t have enough experience. And Lane – does SIUC really need his baggage (whether it is earned/deserved or not). START OVER – give SIUC as much chance at success as possible. And when a qualified candidate is identified – make them an offer tied to performance , not a guaranteed platinum parachute like Mahony somehow finagled for himself. Almost seems like Dunn left behind some mini-me saboteurs among the trustees, administration, and faculty, based on the candidates being considered. At least DeHaemers is gone.