Former UT Chancellor: Regents Should Be Chosen Carefully

By Dan Burck in Promote & Protect on February 7, 2013 at 12:07 pm | 2 Comments

A diverse state deserves diverse—and high quality—higher education opportunities.

This op-ed originally appeared in the Austin American-Statesman under the title Burck: Higher education deserves careful selections.

From secretary of state to alcoholic beverage commissioner, Gov. Rick Perry has hand-selected the individuals who bear responsibility for much of how Texas’ state government runs. Perhaps more than any other appointment, a selection to the role of regent of one our state’s six university systems carries with it a tremendous responsibility and burden for the future of our state.

Our institutions of higher education don’t just educate—they generate research and development, attract new businesses and industry and help create knowledge that will propel our state forward in the future. The role of regent is one that requires thoughtful and engaged oversight — and a commitment to take the long view, respecting the legacy of the institutions while promoting a future that serves the complex and growing needs of our diverse state.

University systems are vast enterprises that require tremendous skill, dedication and commitment to govern effectively. As a former chancellor of the University of Texas System, I am keenly aware of the daunting task of managing one of our state’s most important entities. The UT System is a tremendous economic engine for the state of Texas, and with its six health institutions, nine academic campuses, more than 200,000 students, over 18,000 faculty members and nearly 70,000 employees, it has an important role in charting the course for our state’s future.

I have become increasingly concerned about the current debate over the direction and future of higher education in the the state. Texas has worked over many decades to earn a reputation for quality that is helping us attract world-class teachers and students to our universities. The businesses that seemingly flood into our state, helping create jobs and buoy our economy during a time of a national recession, do not just come here for the tax incentives and pro-business climate we have engendered. They come to Texas—many to Austin—for the human capital that germinates around our world-class teaching and research institution, and the subsequent innovation, research and development and industry it generates

Historically, the members of the Board of Regents have been champions of the system’s flagship campus in Austin. Yes, challenging the institution to be more effective and efficient, and addressing issues of concern, but also praising its leaders and their efforts, and supporting them publicly when unfairly criticized. However, some of the most recent regents selected by the governor have worked to dilute, undermine and even attack the mission that they swore to protect.

In fact, Brenda Pejovich, a current member of the UT System Board of Regents is also a board member of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a privately funded interest group with a record of criticizing UT-Austin and recommending reforms that would undermine the quality of the institution, repel talented faculty and researchers, and have a chilling effect on critically-needed philanthropy—philanthropy that is increasingly crucial as state funding continues to shrink.

The terms of 17 regents of Texas public university systems expired last week. Three of those members are from the University of Texas System. In its handbook for public university systems, the American Association of Governing Boards provides a number of “hallmarks” for effective boards, cultivated over years of experience. For example, an effective board:

• Understands and respects the vital difference between governing and managing;

• Always balances the institutions interests and welfare, with the needs and priorities of the state;

• Nurtures and enhances the legacy of the institution;

• Balances advocacy and oversight.

It is my hope that when the governor makes his appointments, he will chose individuals who reflect these important hallmarks and who commit to strengthening and supporting our institutions—not tearing them down.

Texas is a diverse state whose population deserves a diversity of high-quality higher education opportunities. We need a wide range of educational options to meet these diverse needs, from low-cost, broad access institutions to Tier One research universities with the very highest standards of quality and excellence. And we need regents who respect the diversity of those interests and support the institutions in their quest to achieve their missions.

The Blanton Museum of Art. Texas Exes photo.

Dan Burck served as Chancellor of the University of Texas System from 2000-2002.

Tags: board of regents, Dan Burck, Gov. Rick Perry, ut system