Resignation at UTK

#1
H

HoopDR

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#1
Let me first say I have not seen the email.....but, the word is that an email was sent this AM to facility and staff that Chancellor Cheek is stepping down. There is talk that there are more to come in a more elongated time table. (UTAD)
 
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#6
#6
Well, buh-by!! As a UT Alumni I have felt that Cheek has been, in large part, a disgrace to our great university with all of the "Sex Week", diversity, etc crap . . . For you Cheek :the_finger:
 
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#7
#7
Here is the email.

Dear Alumni and Friends,

When I started my career in higher education, I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to serve as chancellor of one of the best land-grant universities in the country, a university that subscribes to our three-part mission of education, research, and outreach. This is the best and most enjoyable job of my career; it is a tremendous privilege to serve and to work with each of you to make this university a better place.

It’s now time for me to step aside and return to the faculty. I’ve been in discussions with my family and President DiPietro for months about this decision. It’s important to have a smooth transition; for that reason, the president and I have agreed that I will stay on as chancellor until the new chancellor arrives.

We all began this journey together with a firm commitment to enhance the educational experiences of our students, to enhance research and outreach, to build partnerships, to increase diversity, and to become more global and sustainable. I believe that together we have accomplished this and more. We have worked hard and we’ve struggled at times; we’ve experienced great joy and great accomplishment and always maintained the Volunteer spirit.

We have attracted stellar faculty and staff, improved the campus infrastructure, boosted private fundraising, strengthened recognition of UT, and secured additional resources. Our athletics department is stronger financially. Our student-athletes are making great progress in the classroom with the highest grades ever while also training to be champions.

We have increased enrollment while still attracting the best and brightest students. Our graduation rates have shown exceptional growth and our retention rates are moving up as well. We have launched major building and renovation projects; our great team has worked hard to transform the look of our campus, and new buildings and improved grounds have made it more beautiful and inviting. We have also achieved greater consistency with our branding. Whether you’re looking at our publications, our signage, or our buildings, you definitely know you’re in Big Orange Country.

Serving as your chancellor has truly been the capstone of my career, and I thank President DiPietro and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity and their support. Ileen and I are grateful to each of you for the chance to serve the University of Tennessee and become a part of its great traditions.


Go Vols,
Jimmy
 
#9
#9
RollerVol said:
Hart will follow soon.

GO VOLS!
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Sure sounds like he (Cheeks) got fired to me. I wouldn't see anyone voluntarily giving up that position unless he got too much heat and then only after they gave him the chance to step down or get fired.
 
#10
#10
I'm sorry, but Dave Hart has been one of the best hires. Just remember what we had in Hamilton, replace Hart and you might just end of with another Hamilton.
 
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#12
#12
chuck0303 said:
Sure sounds like he (Cheeks) got fired to me. I wouldn't see anyone voluntarily giving up that position unless he got too much heat and then only after they gave him the chance to step down or get fired.
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You may be right. From a career perspective, it makes no sense to leave the "capstone of your career" and "return" to anything else. So there would seem to be a good chance that someone helped make that decision for him.
 
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#13
#13
chuck0303 said:
Sure sounds like he (Cheeks) got fired to me. I wouldn't see anyone voluntarily giving up that position unless he got too much heat and then only after they gave him the chance to step down or get fired.
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Good grief! The man is 70 years old, does not now need any money if he's been prudent, and still filling one of the most demanding jobs in the university system and therefore, the state.

Frankly, I'd blow the whole thing off, take my pension, grab my grandkids and disappear into fly in fish camps in Canada for the rest of the summer.

And fly in to the Tri Cities airport in time to take the fam to Bristol. Leaving there, I'd fl.p .. well ... Be a 70 year old with whats left of my active life in front of me to do what I will with them kids :)
 
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#14
#14
In the world of academe, such moves are very, very common. After so many years, lots of academics in higher administrative roles (chancellors, deans) reach a burnout phase and step away. In most cases, their return to the "faculty" is a segue to emeritus status (i.e. retirement in a year or two).
 
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#15
#15
BigDave said:
Well, buh-by!! As a UT Alumni I have felt that Cheek has been, in large part, a disgrace to our great university with all of the "Sex Week", diversity, etc crap . . . For you Cheek :the_finger:
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I don't understand why Sex Week pisses off anyone
 
#17
#17
crusse10 said:
I don't understand why Sex Week pisses off anyone
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What the actual content is as seen by students may be one thing. And the whole thing might be a worthwhile event.

However, the perceived content as seen by taxpayers is another. Had the university been smart, they might have named it something else that doesn't lead older folks who's taxes fund the place to believe UT is distributing whips, chains, sex toys, and free porn DVDs.

Make sense now?
 
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#18
#18
TNnative said:
What the actual content is as seen by students may be one thing. And the whole thing might be a worthwhile event.

However, the perceived content as seen by taxpayers is another. Had the university been smart, they might have named it something else that doesn't lead older folks who's taxes fund the place to believe UT is distributing whips, chains, sex toys, and free porn DVDs.

Make sense now?
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No. Why do old fogies' perceptions matter? The students appreciate it. And if the students want to avoid it all together? It's very easy.

Sex Week, like the pronoun thing and the holiday memo thing are just non-stories that have been blown so far out of proportion that it makes me feel like UT is filming an episode of Parks and Rec.
 
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#19
#19
Also I'm fairly certain Sex Week is wholly funded by a fee students are either (1) allowed to opt out of, or (2) allowed to dictate that their fee doesn't go toward it
 
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