Dan Wolken on UT AD Search:

#77
#77
Poppa T said:
I sent email to DiPietro back in November. Granted mine was not as long or emotional and I did not call their perceived incompetence into question.

I simply stated that I was a 2nd generation alumni and long time donor and season ticket holder and made the case why Blackburn was the best choice.

I did receive a direct response from DiPietro'S office thanking me for my input and that it would be passed on.
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That's a polite way to say, "F-off!"

That's not against you, Poppa T. I just don't think they care.
 
#80
#80
Poppa T said:
I sent email to DiPietro back in November. Granted mine was not as long or emotional and I did not call their perceived incompetence into question.

I simply stated that I was a 2nd generation alumni and long time donor and season ticket holder and made the case why Blackburn was the best choice.

I did receive a direct response from DiPietro'S office thanking me for my input and that it would be passed on.
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Thats just a nice way to say your email got deleted.
 
#81
#81
tvolsfan said:
Despite the article that came out saying they had buried the hatchet, I'm assuming Charlie Anderson and Blackburn still aren't on good terms.
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What's the problem between the two?


It's a real **** show if you put personal problems before the program getting better.
 
#84
#84
I also do not believe it's solely two distinct groups amongst the boosters, one group wanting Blackburn and the other not. I think there are various boosters who all want their choice. It's ridiculous and pathetic. It's embarrassing when the one group of people who should have the most unity for Tennessee are the most divisive. The normal fan does not really have much influence on the AD, we depend on boosters to get our message across. The problem is most of our boosters do not share the same pride and loyalty as us true fans.

If I had that kind of money I would be glad to help Tennessee and I would make decisions for the benefit of the program, not myself.
 
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#85
#85
I honestly think people are stressing too much over this. I'd be willing to give pretty good odds it's going to be Blackburn. Is it taking longer than expected? Yes, but it's not like the delay is going to impact us in any significant way. It'll end up being Blackburn in the end- now the real question is whether that's a good thing or not. Most on here, including myself, have absolutely no idea.
 
#87
#87
Orange&White said:
I also do not believe it's solely two distinct groups amongst the boosters, one group wanting Blackburn and the other not. I think there are various boosters who all want their choice. It's ridiculous and pathetic. It's embarrassing when the one group of people who should have the most unity for Tennessee are the most divisive. The normal fan does not really have much influence on the AD, we depend on boosters to get our message across. The problem is most of our boosters do not share the same pride and loyalty as us true fans.

If I had that kind of money I would be glad to help Tennessee and I would make decisions for the benefit of the program, not myself.
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This post accurately describes the Democratic Party at the moment....just replace Tennessee with the USA and fans with citizens.
 
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#88
#88
volgrad500 said:
I honestly think people are stressing too much over this. I'd be willing to give pretty good odds it's going to be Blackburn. Is it taking longer than expected? Yes, but it's not like the delay is going to impact us in any significant way. It'll end up being Blackburn in the end- now the real question is whether that's a good thing or not. Most on here, including myself, have absolutely no idea.
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The longer it goes the less likely it's Blackburn because they will over think it and make a rushed decision rather than a good one

Jmo
 
#90
#90
Boca Vol said:
That's a polite way to say, "F-off!"

That's not against you, Poppa T. I just don't think they care.
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I need to make a correction. I went back and looked at the correspondence. I actually sent the email in September!! I will probably send a follow-up and see if I can find contact info for BoT and Davenport. You may be right. I may be tilting at windmills.

For the record, their response came from the Keith Carver, Executive Assistant to DiPietro and he copied DiPietro's Administrative Assistant (Jane Pullum). I can say that I believe that the more emails they receive, the more they will take notice. Volumes of direct correspondence bring more pressure than interwebz petitions (IMO).

Since we seem to be sharing today, here is my email ...

Subject: For the Attention of Dr. Joe DiPietro

As a second generation UTK alumnus (my Dad graduated in 1957), longtime Volunteer Fund donor and Football season ticketholder I am writing this in support of the selection of David Blackburn as our next UTAD. It is my belief that David is clearly the best candidate for the position.

David has proven over the years that he has the leadership qualities; the propensity for hard work; the willingness to take positions within the UT system that are necessary to grow his experience and knowledge; the personality to connect with the diverse make-up of Volunteer Nation; and most importantly, he has proven to be dedicated to the University of Tennessee. He is clearly ALL VOL and what we need at this time as we seek to become a top 25 university and a winner in all our athletic programs.

I hope that as you evaluate your candidates, you will take into consideration the overwhelming support that David has from the grassroots UT Alumni and every day VOL fan.

Thank you …

NAME REMOVED
IBM – Retired
UTK 1979, BSEE
1971-1975 USAF Viet Nam Veteran
 
#91
#91
Titan&Volfan4life said:
Until the Admin and BoT get serious about making UT sports top notch again nothing good will get done.

We need a new AD whos main goal is making ALL of our UT sports programs top notch again with the Admin and BoT agreeing to spend the $$$ to accomplish those goals like other programs have done.

We need 3 things IMO...

1...A serious online petition written by someone with a legal background to state our case but in language that the average person can understand it all.

2...The same petition on paper so that hundreds or more can be printed and circulated everywhere for people to sign.

3...A serious committee put together to get these things done, get emails flying and get people involved everywhere out and about getting the paper petitions signed.

This needs to get going NOW because we're running out of time!

VFL...GBO!!!
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You do realize that burning one mattress will have the same effect don't you?
 
#92
#92
Thanks for sharing! I agree that they may not read every email verbatim or even open some, but if we have a voice and can be heard we can influence Tennessee's administration. I also put "AD Search" as my subject so they'll at least know why I contacted them even if they do not read it. Hopefully they are not a bunch of idiots. Hopefully at least one person that one of these emails or letters reaches will be influenced by it and share it with those that can make the changes/decisions.

We just need one member of the BOT or Tennessee's administration to be struck by our message and see the exact same things we do for our beloved University. There still has to be some people on Rocky Top that love the Vols as much as we do and know where Tennessee rightfully belongs. We can make a difference together.
 
#93
#93
Orange&White said:
I wrote this email to President DiPietro:

"I write you to stress my concern for the way my beloved University is being ridiculed and laughed at across the country. I attended Tennessee for almost 7 years. I received my bachelors with honors and I graduated from Tennessee Law where I was in the top of my class. My point is academics are important to me, but that's not why I came to Tennessee.

I'm glad the University takes academics seriously and strives to become a top 25 public institution. I know there is value in my degrees. I'm happy to look around and see the new construction and campus growing. However, when did we lose focus on our athletics? I chose to come to Tennessee because I remember holding my parent's hand as we rushed to make kickoff. I remember learning to sing Rocky Top, battling the freezing cold to see some amazing games, watching some of the best players in the history of football play in Neyland, seeing Pat cut the nets down, and so many more amazing, cherished memories on Rocky Top. The Vols make fan's Monday's better, their hard times easier, and give them a reason to smile in a tough world. The University of Tennessee Volunteers brought my family together, they bring this State together, and they bring people together all across the country.

The current administration has embarrassed Tennessee and made us look like fools. We are frequently mocked and the punch line of many jokes. I'm sure you've seen where we finished dead last in the SEC in fall sports. I wonder if you have seen the numerous tweets, articles, and letters from national media members detailing how our beloved University is incompetent, "whack-o", and other foolish names. How we are being outdone by Alabama, Kentucky, Florida, and other schools all across the country. It seems our University is more in the news for trying to eliminate gender pronouns and Christmas parties than athletic success.

I know academics are important, but so are athletics, especially at Tennessee. We can improve in both. Think about the results of a successful athletic department on the furtherance of the University's academic goals. More students, more money, more publicity, and the benefits go on and on. Tennessee is not an Ivy League school, while we can improve academically and be a top 25 public institution, our greatest asset is that we are the home of the Vols. We must be true to ourselves and be proud of our identity: A strong southern school that plays a little football on the weekends.

The University of Tennessee means a lot to a lot of people, including me. It is dear to my heart. I love the University of Tennessee and I will always advocate on its behalf. Tennessee deserves nothing but the best. It means something to wear that Power T on your chest. But lately people have been ashamed and embarrassed to show their pride for Tennessee because they know they'll be met with laughs and ridicule. We want our Vols back. We want David Blackburn for the athletic director of Tennessee. Please quit delaying this process and begin restoring Tennessee's national reputation. Thank you! "
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You don't compose like a jurist.
 
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#95
#95
Dudleys87 said:
That's the only thing they care about in Tuscaloosa the image of football isn't clouded with unimportant issues.
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Well, that's not exactly what I said.....

Alabama has a very good academic school....and they have a determined agenda to offer an excellent education.

But the "pencil-necked" academic administrators UNDERSTAND the importance of $$$ brought in by the athletic department in the grand scheme of things....

It's symbiotic...
 
#96
#96
MikeVol44 said:
Well, that's not exactly what I said.....

Alabama has a very good academic school....and they have a determined agenda to offer an excellent education.

But the "pencil-necked" academic administrators UNDERSTAND the importance of $$$ brought in by the athletic department in the grand scheme of things....

It's symbiotic...
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I know but to pretend like there are more things to do than go to a HS game Friday and SEC Saturday is foolish. Football is king grades and things come later
 
#98
#98
Aavoxx said:
I don't understand people's irrational hate of Twitter.
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It could be the "Copernicus fallacy effect."

200,000 twitter followers tweeting Trump can't win the election can't be wrong, right?

It doesn't mean anything, all the tweets are meaningless when opinions are out there. It's a pr platform where bots regular sway discussions and tweets.
 
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