Executive Leadership Change on the Hilltop

[PhiAlphaBoy]

Standiford came to Bradley during the summer of Covid and I believe he did his best, especially under the circumstances. He has stated that all private universities and colleges are going to be stressed financially and some will close. Also, some state schools are suffering and will either adjust or close. They are changing the people responsible for enrollment and asking alumni for ideas for direction in programs and goals for the university. These are challenging times for most schools of higher education, but I’m optimistic for the future of Bradley. I believe that Standiford is better than our last 3 presidents, Roberts, Glasser, and Brodsky. John Brazil was our last good president.

I totally agree molar. Standifird knew the situation and the job he signed up for. I appreciate the proactive steps he's taking to try to make sure Bradley is relevant 10 years from today.

 

[yoda]

But that was 3 1/2 years ago when he was hired, so he's been on the job almost as long as the total span of time Gary Roberts was President (4 yrs)
But I get the feeling from the news reports that this new shortfall came apparently as somewhat of a surprise after he's been right there on the job.
The most recent reports seem to indicate he was caught off guard, doesn't have any idea what's going on and what to do about it- https://www.centralillinoisproud.com...llion-deficit/

Notice two completely different sounding answers given:
#1- "we have a comprehensive plan..."

and

#2- "With the start of classes two weeks away, it is still unclear what will be cut for this upcoming school year. Standifird said he is not able to tell how many programs will be cut. ...we’re going to be engaging in an active process to review the portfolio of offerings by Bradley University. It’s going to be a collaborative process, my colleagues are going to be a part of that. And one of the things we’re going to be very sensitive to is really responding to the needs and interests of today’s students,” the president said."
....staff members wait to hear which departments will face cuts"
"President Stephen Standifird announced...the private school is looking at academic restructuring and cost-savings initiatives in response to the budget shortfall.
Standifird promised transparency in Bradley’s cost-reduction process.....adding that input, ideas and feedback will be appreciated."

 

[battlebasset]

Just my take on the situation:

Every college is going to struggle in the coming decade with enrollment dropping. Colleges have basically had an open checkbook for decades with the way student loans are, thus leading the massive inflation in tuition. Now younger people aren't just blindly going to college anymore because it is "the thing to do after high school". A lot of people have gotten degrees and found out that it hasn't really helped their careers. There are plenty of good paying jobs out there that don't require degrees.

I think Bradley and most other D1 schools will be survive with budget cuts, but it is the small liberal arts colleges that are going to suffer the most or close.

If you can view this WSJ article, it sums up the problem fairly well for some of the state schools. https://www.wsj.com/articles/state-...ending-41a58100?mod=Searchresults_pos3&page=1