Editor's Note: This is the last in a seven-part series examining the evaluations of Ohio University's deans. Seven of 10 Athens deans were evaluated this year.
Ohio University's College of Education did a comprehensive evaluation of its dean this year, with her approval ratings rising overall and the provost recommending for reappointment.
Dean Renée Middleton underwent a comprehensive evaluation after two years of low reviews from faculty and staff. Faculty and then-Executive Vice President and Provost Kathy Krendl called for the fuller review at the end of last year.
Middleton, who is in her fourth year as dean, earned $175,100 in base salary this year.
The dean received a 50 percent approval rating from faculty - up from 25 percent last year and 36 percent two years ago. This year, 63 percent of faculty responded - up from 50 percent last year. The College of Education had the highest faculty response rate of any college the past two years.
The numbers show faculty members are divided on Middleton's progress - 50 percent of respondents recommended she be re-appointed.
Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit, however, gave Middleton an overwhelmingly positive review, with only one negative clause appearing in the final paragraph of the evaluation.
Middleton said she was happy about the improvement and about the chance to receive feedback.
I'm always pleased to give faculty an opportunity to have a voice
she said. Not all choose to participate but I'm pleased that we have a process in place for faculty to express their concerns and that's whether it's good
bad or indifferent.
After Krendl mandated she form a faculty advisory committee last year, Middleton has been working with that team to reorganize and name the college. The dean said she meets with the team whenever its members request a session or when she needs their input. She added that the advisory committee declined a chance to talk about next year's budget.
Several faculty comments suggested Middleton does not use the advisory committee effectively.
Dean Middleton has the FAC doing busy work to 'make them feel useful
' one respondent wrote. I don't believe that was ever the intention for the development of the FAC.
Middleton said she is not sure why faculty members think the advisory committee is not engaged in meaningful work, and added that the representatives on those committees are elected by departments.
For the second year in a row, faculty gave Middleton her highest approval rating - 87 percent - in affirmative action, progress Middleton attributes mostly to her faculty.
We have a university goal and institutional priority for diversity and we're committed - and I'm committed as dean - to be responsive to that institutional priority
she said. But faculty are the ones who recommend to me who they'd like to have as their faculty colleagues.
Middleton's lowest faculty rating - 40 percent - was in generating confidence among faculty and staff about her leadership.
Ratings on communication, faculty and staff development and external relations were up this year over last.
Staff in the college gave Middleton an overall 64 percent approval rating, with 100 percent praising her for progress toward diversity goals but only 63 percent approving of her communication style and interpersonal relationships.
One respondent noted improvement in the dean's attitude, which other respondents described as often condescending or harsh
but said there is still a need for change.
(I) would recommend that she listen more to whole message before jumping in to solve problems or with an opinion of how to solve a problem
the person wrote. (I) believe she would be more effective if she was on time to meetings and did not keep people waiting ... It makes people feel like they are not valued.
Middleton said she was pleased with the staff evaluation overall and does make a special effort to engage with staff.
I meet with them one-on-one; I go to their meetings
she said. There are a number of things that I do that I don't think any dean has done before me ... but at the same time
my time as dean is limited. I wish I could give more time
but I think I give more than enough time.
Benoit gave Middleton a very positive review this year despite the sharp divide among faculty and staff, and pointed to achievements in fundraising, recruitment and faculty scholarly activity as particular points of pride.
Your annual report demonstrates sustained progress on most of the priorities that you have set out for the college
