The Folly of Leadership at Tarleton State: Firing a Faculty Member over a Parking Discussion
Dad always said you can’t fix stupid… another example of him being right.
In the realm of higher education, where universities preach an environment conducive to learning and growth through discussion/perspectives that differ, the issue of parking may seem trivial at first glance. Yet, at Tarleton State University, the mishandling of parking has become a focal point of frustration and a glaring example of leadership's disconnect with reality, public relations, and how the world of communication actually works—as well as the importance of trust. At the center of this controversy is Ted Roberts, a non-tenured respected professor whose unfortunate experience sheds light on broader failures of systemic logic and common-sense.
Tarleton State, like many institutions, has grappled with the perennial challenge of providing adequate parking. However, what distinguishes Tarleton’s situation is the seeming indifference and tone-deaf response from its leadership, epitomized by the mishandling of Roberts’ case.
Ted Roberts, a faculty member in Military Science, found himself entangled in a bureaucratic nightmare. At a scheduled president’s listening tour event for/with faculty, Roberts commented directly to the president of the school regarding the nearly 300% increase in parking fees. According to reports from those present at the 40-person event, Roberts, with research, spoke about the increase and how it compares to other nearby universities…and asked for a comment. The Tarleton CEO disputed the claims, asked for the research, and moved on. According to all, a 3–4-minute exchange, no malice, no threats, but passion for the issue. And overall, respectful dialogue.
End of the story??? No. Because you can’t fix stupid.
Several weeks later, in a meeting with a university leader, Roberts was told that his 12-year connection with the university was over, as his contract was not going to be renewed. According to reports in publications, student reviews of his class are positive, there were no other employment issues, and no complaints. And no budgetary issues either.
And back to my father. While you can’t fix stupid, don’t mess with an army officer who has seen combat.
Roberts appealed. He appealed formally in the university system, with support from the faculty senate, his department chair, and others. After a 10-minute meeting with the provost, he was told that his appeal was not worthy of overriding the decision.
Roberts also appealed. This time to the world of common sense. He had recorded the meeting with the provost. He had written communication from the administration. He had the student evaluation summaries. And through the local press and eventually the Chronicle of Higher Education, which authored a front-page story about this craziness, his plight was elevated out of the small and unknown world of Tarleton’s Military Science Program into world acclaim.
Two weeks later, Roberts got his job back.
What was this all about? Power and stupidity. Somehow, all too often, the two seem to go together. It is about a university president having a “thin skin.” It is about a provost (and others) being weak and not saying “we can’t do this.” And it is about a group think that is isolated from the greater community, and thus not understanding the undeniable consequences of destroying relationships and trust with many different groups: faculty, staff, students, parents, and the greater community. All over a 3-4 minute, respectful (yet intense) discussion about parking fees.
The wrong person did not have their contract renewed. Leadership, at that level, should always be about being the bigger person worrying about the bigger things. Building trust and inspiring others to join in a common pursuit of the noble mission of the organization.
Seems like there are lot of small people thinking about tiny things at Tarleton State.
