Editor's Note: This is the fourth in a seven-part series examining the evaluations of Ohio University's deans. Seven of 10 Athens deans were evaluated this year.
In a comprehensive review, the dean of Ohio University's Russ College of Engineering and Technology received high marks from faculty, staff and the provost.
Dean Dennis Irwin saw his approval ratings from faculty rise seven points over last year's numbers to 89 percent. Faculty response also increased this year to 37 percent from 22 last year. The dean's staff gave him a 100 percent approval rating.
Irwin's evaluation was more in-depth this year because deans receive comprehensive evaluations every five years. Faculty and staff were asked to rate and comment on Irwin's performance during the past five years.
Irwin, who is finishing his eighth year as dean, earned $217,444 in base salary this year.
The dean said the positive reviews were particularly meaningful at a time when the university has faced severe budget cuts, and there is a new provost for him to work with.
I thought it was very positive and I'm very encouraged
especially with the fact that we do have a new provost and it's important that I get off to a good start with her Irwin said, adding his faculty and staff deserve credit for not losing confidence in the face of budget cuts. I think it's a tribute to the faculty and the leadership of the college - and I'm not talking about myself - that they're not allowing that to happen.
Irwin's approval numbers from faculty decreased in four of 15 categories during the past year. He was awarded the highest marks in the past two evaluations for diversity and fundraising, in which he received 97 percent approval this year and 94 percent approval last year.
Irwin's lowest faculty score this year - 74 percent - was in interpersonal relationships. Last year his lowest was a 70 percent approval rating in faculty and staff development.
In written comments, several faculty members described the dean as difficult to talk to because they said he resents comments and criticism.
(You) cannot even imply you disagree. (He) will cut you off mid-sentence wrote one commenter.
However, another noted that Irwin seems more comfortable talking with faculty about challenges the college faces. The dean said he makes an effort to encourage faculty to talk to him, but that sometimes the setting - such as large meetings - can inhibit a conversation.
Some of the comments were a little stronger (negatively) on accessibility and I have to admit that did surprise me
Irwin said. My door is - as you see it right now - open.
Irwin's staff gave him 100 percent approval ratings in every category except student orientation, in which he received a 99 percent approval rating. Twenty percent of staff responded.
Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit also gave Irwin a positive review, praising him for making progress toward the goals he set in 2002 and for keeping his college on track despite budget cuts.
Some of Irwin's goals included breaking ground on a new facility, improving collegiality in the college and increasing external research expenditures to a level consistent with the top 30 engineering programs in the country.
I am amply satisfied that you have either accomplished or made significant progress on all of these goals
Benoit wrote. To read many of the comments submitted by your faculty is to know that your leadership has proven its worth ... and credit is to be given to you for maintaining optimism and a sense of direction in your college.
1
News
Emily Grannis
31921a.jpg
