To the editor:

Please, do not ask me to take seriously the machinations of Editor Simons regarding the function and role of public higher education. I do not questions his ability to run a newspaper, and to pursue his personal, rhetorical agendas on the opinion page, but he has “zip” credentials in the field of higher education, and lacks credibility.

I can’t imagine him being competent enough to shepherd a major university, but again, I don’t challenge his ability to run a small-town newspaper. I am convinced that the role of editor would not translate well to the role of academic leadership. His recent continuing rant about KU seems so unyielding, and he seems personally offended that the Board of Regents does not operate as he desires. Maybe building up would work better than tearing down.