I Support Bill Powers

This is identical to the controversy in 1970-73 when Frank Erwin was allowed to fire any faculty that refused to support his political agenda., even disagree with his "vision" of what a Great University" should be. Silber, Ransom,Arrowsmith, Shattuck, among other noted scholars and Deans, all went to the chopping block with decades long negative impact of UT's reputation. Some went for political reasons when their activities or programs upset the Texas Establishment ( ie the free medical clinics run by the UT San Antonio medical school). Others, like Silber, got fired because merely for standing up to Erwin (few would claim John Silber went on to a carrer marked by a willingness to listen and compromise; he and. Erwin wee cut from the same bolt of cloth). The issue at stake is can a "Great University of the First Order" survive in a state like Texas where politics and football permeate everything... And the public doesn't seem to care Fitzhugh Pannill BA' 73

Regent Hall and his allies are inept cronies who have no business meddling in our state's higher education affairs. They have flagrantly tried to undermine The University of Texas at Austin at every turn; this latest move is clearly more of the same. Their politically-motivated crusade against President Powers is petty and unbecoming of the supposed leaders of Texas' flagship university system. As a former UT student and a former staff member of six years, I appreciate President Powers' loyalty to the mission of the University as outlined in the Texas Constitution - to be "a university of the first class" - and his ongoing resistance to those who threaten to erode the integrity of our institution.

We strongly support Bill Powers

How is it possible that a small group of men can hold the entire longhorn nation hostage? Can't they take leadership classes for free at McCombs?

Bill Powers has been an excellent President of the greatest university in the world. Do not make a terrible mistake in letting him go. The Chancellor and many of the Regents are the ones that should leave. They are an embarrassment to Texas.

It is time to take the right wing politics out of our great university. Why is UT Austin in the top 10 of American Universities? Well, that is easy. Because of Powers leadership, and the fabulous faculty. Why do people want to attend UT Austin from everywhere home, across the nation and around the world? Because it is a world class university with world class research and accomplishment thanks to the hard work by Powers and others. So, the time has come to stop monkeying around with something great, and letting the tea part and right wing GOP run our state. It won't be long before they try and secede from our great union!

I am proud to be a graduate of The University as well as the father of one and a supporter of a granddaughter who is a senior there. As a graduate student in the 70's I was in awe of the resources offered at The University. Those resources have only increased over the years and especially under the leadership of President Powers. Current students have unlimited opportunities awaiting those who seek them. Those of us on the outside of the power structure can only guess what the issues are In this latest battle but cool minds need to prevail. Whatever is the cause of this latest directive by the chancellor did not arise over night. There is time to make a deliberate planned transition of power in the light of day if one needs to be made. An orderly transition will put The University in a much better position than a midnight hanging.

Political interference with state universities (especially UT Austin) has been a century old scandal and has hurt higher education in Texas. The state now supplies such a small portion of the total budget that we should rename UT Austin the University IN Texas. I have recently come to the conclusion that the state constitution should be changed so that a large portion of the regents of each state university system in Texas should be elected by degree holding alumni of that university and NOT APPOINTED by the governor. Candidates could run for the office or be nominated by ex-student organizations. They would have to be degree holders of the university they govern and would serve staggered terms several years long and could not be replaced except for serious violations of law and ethics rules. We have an anti-intellectual governor who seems bent on reducing the two flagship university systems to trade schools. Worse he is an aggie who seems to want to bring down UT for personal ends. I also hold an MBA from Harvard so I get to participate in its governance by electing each year a portion of the Board of Governors and Members of the Harvard Alumni Association. This system works well. Yes, Harvard is private, not a state university but the State of Texas is only a minority player in financing the state universities and should not have total control of the most important asset of the state. Gene C Walker BSME 1953 MSME 1955 The University

Societies prosper driven by knowledge and education created, kept and promoted by their institutions of learning. It is sad and almost inevitable that some of those who seek to control societies will try to use these institutions as the means to satisfy their political or personal ambitions. Societies that effectively move to keep this from happening usually prosper. Those that don’t usually decline and wither. Texas is a great state with huge human and material wealth. UT is certainly influential on the State and the nation, its system is viewed by some as a springboard to fulfill their ambitions. The UT community must effectively move to keep this from happening. Don’t let a great school be used for paltry personal agendas.

President Powers has taken UT Austin to a new level of prominence in University education. When a politician who has submitted his resignation acts as a surrogate for his political benefactor, his acts have to be evaluated as political payback. In this Perry wanting to protect his political hack Hall. Perry's national reputation and agenda will suffer. It is unfortunate that Bill Powers becomes the scapegoat.

I can't say I know enough about Bill Powers to be for or against him, but it is NOT the job of the Governor to interfere in University policy or personnel! This has happened before, and UT has always held its own. I'm not crazy about how like a corporation my alma mater has become, but academic freedom works best in an environment free of political bias.

This seems more personal than professional...as if someone got their feelings hurt when their self-important attempts to micro-manage certain aspects of the University's operations were rebuffed. Perhaps it's not who was given special treatment that's the issue. Perhaps, instead, it's who was not given special treatment. Perhaps, instead, it's who needed their ego stroked...but did not get enough stroking. Ah...the hurt feelings of a narcissist? Who knows? It's all speculation at this point. Maybe the president did err. The question is, did he err by doing what he is accused of...or did he err by too little anatomical kissing. I'm also wondering at what point SACS 3.2.6 might come into play....

This entire event truly seems more grounded in the neurotic politics of a childish regent and an unprofessional chairman. Shameful. Childish men do have a reputation for making a mess of things in this state--often in the service of discrediting competent leaders.

As so many UT colleagues and fellow Faculty Council members, I support Bill Powers and believe that having him as president for another year is in the best interest of the university, both at present and for its near and long term future.

The Chancellor and Regents have done what the world said could never be done: United a university faculty behind its president! And in the middle of the summer, no less. Clearly, the Chancellor's and Regents' actions do not pass the smell test. What are they hiding? And want to hide so much that they tried to "sneak" it by the public during a national holiday weekend?

Bill Powers has served UT Austin, and by example, the enitre UT System of universities in an exemplary manner. He deserves recognition, support, and encouragement from all Texans - students, faculty, staff alumni, the Regents and the Legislature. What we are seeing unfold here we have seen unfold before .... a Regent Chairman named Frank Erwin saw fit through various machinations, including a financial blockade via control of purse strings, to run off or attempt to run off many of the best and brightest at UT at in the late 60's. Chairman Cigarroa appears intent on channeling Chairman Erwin and trying once again to derail the campus' charge of education excellence. It is Cigarroa and his lieutenants who must be removed, not President Powers.

12 years ago Featured

As a 24 year member of the faculty, I have nothing but admiration for President Powers. He has been a strong leader who has greatly enhanced the reputation of our University during his tenure.

12 years ago Featured

If not for President Powers, I probably would not have had the unique opportunity to find my direction as a freshman in the School of Undergraduate Studies; having just graduated in May after only four years, I'm now working as a structural engineer EIT and preparing to enter graduate school to earn my masters degree in the fall. I stand with Bill Powers.

12 years ago Featured

As a recent PhD graduate from UT-Austin, I know how Powers strong leadership was always felt throughout the campus. Rick Perry and his cronies should stop take their petty partisan politics elsewhere, and stop meddling with this respected institution of higher education.

12 years ago Featured

Academics and administrators across the US are watching this sordid affair. Should President Powers be forced out, UT's chance of attracting a world-class President will be minuscule. And that would be a loss to us all! On a side note - Is the admissions process at Universities influenced by politicians? Really? Gosh I thought American politicians were a different breed!