Editor's note: This is the fourth in an eight-part series describing the evaluations of Ohio University deans. Seven of the 10 deans who head OU's colleges were formally evaluated this year and an eighth called for his own review.The College of Education's dean received lower approval ratings than any dean this year but expressed minimal concern about how the results will affect her leadership.
Renee Middleton received 36 percent approval from faculty. The college's faculty response rate was the highest of any college at 69 percent. Middleton's staff approval rating was higher -
people have hurt feelings and sometimes people operate out of emotion Middleton said. I'm sensitive to that
but I can't allow that to stop me from making decisions that are unpopular.
Faculty complained about decisions but also about disrespect from the dean. Middleton was labeled dismissive
authoritarian and verbally abusive. She said she does not know the basis for those comments.
I don't accept that. I deeply respect our faculty
she said. I appreciate people's suggestions
but you can't always lead the way people think you should lead.
Middleton said that when she came to OU, people told her she had difficult faculty
but she sees the comments as an indication of resistance to change.
I do not believe I have a difficult faculty
she said. I know looking at those evaluations would suggest otherwise
but that is a typical response to change G? I'm not surprised by it. Neither am I discouraged.
Kathy Krendl, executive vice president and provost, commended Middleton on improvements in the college's partnerships with local schools but suggested the dean might want to simplify her goals.
Part of the issue seems to relate to an agenda that is
perhaps
