A week or two ago, I came across an editorial in the Star Advertiser by David Shapiro who questioned the wisdom of the newly recruited UH Manoa Chancellor's salary - you guess what direction he was taking. What you see below is my response to this editorial. Its not that I had any exception to the logic or wisdom of his argument. Its more from the framework that that in addition to this type of outside analysis of university politics, I thought that an insider's opinion would be valued and welcomed. I believe that too much ink is wasted second guessing everyone - every where - at any time. And not enough time is spent paying homage to those who have done their work without seeking praise or recognition that they duly deserve.
David promptly informed me that he did not work for the paper and that I should contact them directly. In any case, when it was all said and done, the concept of my letter being published as an op-ed was nixed, and in place, I was advised that I could shorten the letter and revise it appropriately as a letter to the editor - and that it could be published there. But, after trying very hard to get my point across with less than half the words, I decided to give up on the Star Advertiser. Apparently, I was not important enough among the editorial staff to warrant publishing my comments in full. What other conclusion could I make. Indeed, why would they want unsolicited comments from a nobody like me who has spent 35 years of his life observing first hand the workings of the University at a level few administrators would begin to comprehend?
So here it is.....maybe no one will read it except my family and friends, but maybe others will also. Truly, Jim and Gary are two of the best 3 research administrators the University of Hawaii has every employed. The other one not mentioned below is the late Fred Greenwood, who deserves much more than this comment to begin to describe the contributions that he made to the University.
To - Gary Ostrander and James Gaines.....both stellar administrators and remarkable human beings...!!
David
I read with interest your editorial on the new Chancellor’s salary for UH Manoa (UHM). I am an Emeritus Professor at UH with 35 years of service to the University. I wanted to note, in addition to the mutterings surrounding the recruitment of the new Chancellor, that other important changes in personnel are occurring over the next few months. Indeed, UH and UHM will lose two of the three best research administrators this University has ever had; namely, Dr. James R. Gaines and Dr. Gary K. Ostrander.
Dr. Gaines is retiring from his position as Vice President for Research at the University system level after a full and productive career. Dr. Gaines' retirement comes at an appropriate time in his life. Dr. Gaines is a truly brilliant and visionary academic. My interactions with him, although infrequent, have consistently revealed his thoughtful and analytical approach to the complexities involved in building and sustaining research infrastructure at UH. Always approachable and a gracious gentleman, Dr. Gaines' presence at UH will be missed for years to come.
Dr. Ostrander is far from retirement and at the height of his career. He is leaving his position as the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education at UHM for an exciting opportunity at Florida State University to serve as Vice President of Research and President of the Research Foundation. While this opportunity may have been too exceptional to resist, many of us at UHM attempted to persuade President Greenwood to do everything in her power to convince Dr. Ostrander to stay.
Dr. Ostrander is the hardest working administrator I have ever known, making himself available to his peers and subordinates at all hours of the day, never declining requests for an audience, whether from a Dean, Director, faculty member or staff. He has always directed keen attention toward making the right decision for UH, even if that decision is unpopular or politically risky. Always striving for quality over quantity, Dr. Ostrander possesses the most comprehensive awareness of the research environment of any of his peers at UH. He has spent nearly eight years of his life giving UH his extraordinary dedication, and is the strongest research administrator that UH Manoa has ever known. It is no surprise that Dr. Ostrander was the first pick for the prestigious position at Florida State University.
I fear that UHM will suffer a great loss from Dr. Ostrander’s departure. Deans and Directors and all the rest of us who depend upon his wisdom, support, and balanced approach to decision-making will find it difficult to adjust, particularly in these uncertain times. Indeed, Dr. Ostrander has been a zealous advocate for research and researchers; he is someone who comes along once in the lifetime of a University.
Drs Gaines and Ostrander have achieved major milestones in their time with us. It is my hope that their successors uphold the vision set forth by these exceptional individuals.
David Easa MD
David, I share your concern at the loss of Jim and Gary from UH and your hope that their successors carry on where they have left off. Although I've been gone from UH for nearly 4 years now, I still follow the progress of the University closely and wish for it the very best.
ReplyDeleteRichard Cox, former director of OTTED