As the College of Education dean, Renée Middleton surely understands what constitutes a passing grade. Despite doubling her approval ratings from last year, 50 percent is still an F.
Partly because of Violet Patton's $28 million donation to the college in February, Middleton has found some good luck this year after poorly managing the college for so long. She now has a 50 percent approval rating from faculty and staff in her college, up from 25 percent last year and 36 percent in 2008.
That may be progress, but it is still far from impressive.
This year, Middleton was up for a comprehensive review because of consistently low faculty morale. Former Executive Vice President and Provost Kathy Krendl had expressed frustrations with Middleton, asking her to delegate less work and take a bigger role in the college.
But once Krendl left last year for Otterbein College, enforcing those suggestions fell by the wayside. It is troubling to see that Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit does not seem concerned with thoroughly assessing the university's least effective dean.
Benoit's only negative comment on Middleton's comprehensive evaluation was pointing out the need for improvement in relationships. Benoit even hedged on that mild critique, adding that Middleton has worked hard to respond to concerns about (her) leadership.
That is hardly a complete assessment of someone who received only 40 percent approval from faculty and staff in creating confidence about leadership. Middleton requires a real evaluation of her four tumultuous years as dean, not vague criticisms of her leadership.
Thanks to Patton's extremely generous gift to the college, Middleton has a surge of goodwill and the chance to exhibit strong leadership with her faculty and staff. She could create even more by asking for a truly comprehensive review.
Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post's executive editors.
4 Opinion
