
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
Media contacts: Susan McKinsey, 277-2989, Sophie Martin, 277-7117
July 17, 2006
The University of New Mexico has released results of a vote of confidence taken earlier this month by faculty of the Anderson Schools of Management on the performance of Dean Charles Crespy.
Forty-two of the 49 Anderson faculty participated in the vote. Initial results, currently under discussion and so not official, show 23 faculty voting “no confidence” in Crespy's performance as dean. The request for the vote came from an Anderson Schools faculty member. It was overseen by the Office of the University Secretary and was conducted online over the July 4th weekend.
UNM Acting President David W. Harris said the number of “no confidence” votes makes clear more work must be done. “In my view, Dean Crespy has done much to reestablish the effectiveness of Anderson Schools in the outside business community and with accreditation organizations,” said Harris. “He now has to work more closely and diligently with the faculty to establish a shared vision for the business school.”
Harris also said he believes the vote, which is not binding, was called hastily and did not adequately explain issues involved.
UNM Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Reed Way Dasenbrock said the vote was allowed to go forward and is important because the university values the tenet of shared governance.
“We have had good discussions on the challenges to be addressed,” said Dasenbrock. “We look forward to the recommendations that will emerge over the next month so that the school can continue to show progress when the new semester convenes.”
Dean Crespy said he recognizes the concerns of the faculty. "In two years we have done things that some people thought was beyond our reach - reaccreditation in particular. I know that when the faculty pull together we are capable of great accomplishment,” said Crespy. "In the months ahead we will direct our efforts to build a stronger sense of community and shared purpose at Anderson. As we go forward, our focus must remain on serving the needs of our students, our alumni, and the business professions."
Anderson Schools won reaccreditation from the Association of Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – International for 6 years last December. Crespy was appointed dean in 2004.
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