In letters and e-mails sent to the Daily News over the past few days, numerous words and thoughts have been shared about the announcement of Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Doug McConkey being asked to step down by President Jo Ann Gora.
McConkey's "student centered" approach to his position was apparently well noticed by students, faculty and alumnus, because their words of gratitude and sorrow have been plentiful. His 18-year role in student affairs at Ball State will end on Jan. 28.
There is more to this story, however.
McConkey is not technically being replaced, as effective Jan. 29, his position will simply no longer exist. Instead, Gora has told the Daily News that his student-oriented position will be combined with that of a university marketing role.
In other words, the role of vice-president of student affairs will be no more. Meanwhile, Gora will transition the spot to be used for a new position. The duty, vice-president of marketing communications and enrollment management, will have an emphasis on promoting the university, one of Gora's main goals from the get-go.
However, in this situation, the pursuit of that goal is compromising student affairs for the sake of university public relations.
While this announcement comes as a surprise and a shock to many in the Ball State community, perhaps some cannot blame Gora. Keeping in mind the past year of troubles that have affected this campus along with boldface moves by the administration such as this, it is no wonder Gora is worried about boosting the university's public relations department.
And in that respect, it is hard to say what other changes may be on the horizon.
It is all well and good for Gora to focus more of the university's efforts on increasing (positive) public knowledge of itself. What is not good is when that comes at a cost to current students. Sure, it may be great to encourage prospective students and financial partners into involvement with this small-town university. But when the students currently paying to attend this school are put at any sort of a disadvantage, be it financially, academically or socially speaking, it then becomes a serious issue.
The students of this campus, however apathetic they may tend to be, deserve the right to have their voice represented and defended to the administration.
McConkey did just that.
But who will now?
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
