To the editor:

Thank you for your coverage of the debate over the deanship of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at KU.

The larger problem is the administrative escalator. University administrators are itinerant; they are constantly looking to move up and out. Consequently, they make decisions based on enhancing their resumes, not the well-being of the institution.

The most egregious recent example: (former Provost) Jeff Vitter’s bond issue for the massive construction of the “Central District.” This flashy project burnished his resume as he hunted for a job as a university president, which he got. Now KU is left with the large bill (and budget cuts to pay for it).

KU faculty have to agree to teach at KU for two years after a sabbatical — or repay the salary they earned during it. Let’s do the same thing for administrators. Require them to serve two years as a rank-and-file professor after their administrative appointment. Only those with a long-term commitment to the university would apply. Those who are looking for the main chance would look elsewhere.

Joe Harrington,

Lawrence