We told you a few months ago that the federal investigation involving Robert Felner at the University of Louisville was going to get messy. And we never disappoint when we make a declaration like that.
Over the past month we have obtained hundreds of pages of email from the university and we’re bringing many of them to you today. Some are long and drawn out so we’ll try to offer the most basic of summarizations. And we’ll break things out into category and circumstance for easier consumption.
So have at it, folks. Read, consume, digest, regurgitate. If anyone in the traditional media wants to use these records, they’re yours for the taking if you properly source this website.
Read the juicy juicy of this unbelievable lengthy story and peep the dozens upon dozens of scandalous emails after the jump…
How did the University of Louisville manage the nasty media storm we caused after uncovering the extensive federal investigation into Robert Felner and his potential crimes as Dean of the College of Education?
As you can see in the following email messages within UofL’s administration, fear was running rampant.
On 07/18, UofL President Jim Ramsey sent an email to Provost Shirley Willihnganz, Kathleen Smith and John Drees urging them to read attached messages and get back to him as soon as possible.
One of the messages from Brent Fryrear, Director of Partnership for a Green City at UofL, to Ramsey detailing large numbers of complaints about the way Ramsey had handled himself with the media when addressing the university’s grievance process. Update: Brent informs us that his email to Ramsey was sent in his capacity as Chair of the Staff Senate and Staff Trustee.
Another message is from John Drees (we’ve included both Ramsey’s and Willihnganz’s responses to Drees) to Ramsey detailing records requests that WHAS11 had filed for the scandalous email exchanges between Robert Felner and Tom Schroeder (the “honey” and “hugs” messages).
There’s also an exchange between Ramsey, Willignganz and others within the administration discussing the need to be kept aware of any and all open records requests so that they could appropriately prepare. Interesting to read.
An additional message from Drees to Ramsey addressed what Drees (UofL’s spokesperson) heard from Chris Kenning with the Courier-Journal. Kenning alerted Drees that QCOnline.com interviewed Tom Schroeder and learned that he had returned $250,000 of grant money at Felner’s request. Ignorantly, the C-J told Drees that the paper didn’t plan to run a story about it (!!!).
One other email was from Jim Ramsey to Alicia Sells, Associate Vice President for Government Relations, about sending a follow-up letter to the General Assembly (DAMAGE CONTROL!) outlining “positive things happening” while staying “away from any reference to Felner.” Ramsey goes on to say that Mark Hebert and David Hawpe “won’t let it die.” No mention of the bloggers making his life a living hell.
How did Robert Felner handle criticism and complaints from faculty at UofL when they reflected poorly on him? He dogged them out. Check out these email exchanges involving Felner, the Provost and others.
In an email response to the Provost from Felner, he obliterates Pedro Portes for complaining about him. Portes said Felner agreed to make adjustments to a review made of him and Felner denied having reached any agreement and then went on to claim Portes was attacking him.
Felner responded to a long email (09/20/2005) complaint from Ric Keaster, an Associate Dean at Western Kentucky University in one message. Keaster’s message to Felner basically called him a worthless hack for treating he and others poorly and unprofessionally. Felner hastily responded throwing everything back on Keaster, asserting his powerful position.
Another long string of emails details the impossibly embarrassing way Felner handled a grievance by Dr. John Burke at the Kentucky Autism Training Center. It’s a nasty mess. Seems every time Burke communicated with Felner, he was shot down or belittled and the Provost repeatedly let things slide. It was all about Robert Felner, all the time.
In another string about Pedro Portes, Felner says in an email to Willignganz that he “can produce no better example of the kinds of personal attack, distortions of fact and my actions, and complete fabrication of what our processes are and how I have violated them than this. This – Pedro woring relentlessly with several otehrs to put this kind of misinformation and poison into the system, something that has been done for years, is where what you hear comes from. Whether I stay or not it really should not be given the currency it is receiving or at least that it feels it is.” No doubt the Provost feels like she’s got egg on her face at this point.
A different set of messages is the back-and-forth between Felner and the Provost about a memo to everyone at UofL re: the infamous Just Solutions report. Felner goes ballistic at one point, complaining that people were spreading hurtful rumors about him (ha).
How seriously did Shirley Willihnganz and Jim Ramsey take concerns from faculty in the College of Education and Human Development during August 2007 when a visiting committee was at UofL to assess the CEHD?
Check this interesting email exchange between Ramsey and the Provost about it all.
Ramsey requested a list of committee members from Willihnganz and discusses a similar report from six years prior that he thought could be a good starting point.
In a response message, Willihnganz affirms Ramsey’s thoughts and adds some interesting tidbits: “There are two concerns on this one. Robert is still a handful, and they are likely to get an earfull from some of those who are still balking over there. Second is that committee is so involved that they may want to look into all kinds of things that will make this look more like an accreditation review.”
So Willihnganz thought Felner was a “handfull” (sic) in 2007 and was concerned about his behavior affecting a review. Very interesting indeed. And hilarious that she left him stick around for another year knowing fully well that he was a problem for the University of Louisville.
In July 2007 there was a dispute between Debra Bauder and Karen Karp about a class schedule. Simple enough, right? HAHA. Yeah, not at UofL.
The issue made its way to Willihnganz by way of Felner. The Provost, among other things said, “This one won’t go away.” So Felner– never to be one to resolve something– responded by stirring the pot. He said Debra was “fanning” students in order to “get Karen to back off.”
Felner sent another message detailing an alleged drama with a former temporary employee. He placed the blame on the temp and went about his day.
It’s a pretty boring situation but gets hilarious when Felner gets involved. Because everything he touched turned into a crazy shit storm at UofL.
We’re bored to death by this next bunch of documents. They’re all about Robert Felner’s salary increases through the years.
In 2004 Felner’s salary was $180,540 – $37,740 of which was an administrative supplement for being a Distinguished University Scholar. $142,800 was for his tenured appointment.
In 2006 his salary was $245,813 – $39,061 administrative supplement for being a Distinguished University Scholar, $58,954 administrative supplement for being dean, $147,798 for his tenured appointment. The 2006 salary issue got sticky and there was some back-and-forth. You’ll have to read about it because it’s too boring to explore.
In 2007 his salary was $255,645 – $40,623 administrative supplement for being a Distinguished University Scholar, $61,312 administrative supplement for being dean, $153,710 for his tenured appointment.
CLICK HERE for some additional email discussion about Felner’s salary adjustments in 2005.
Would the University of Louisville spend thousands of dollars per year for Robert Felner to travel back and forth to Rhode Island in order to visit his estranged wife? Even though he had multiple girlfriends on the side? Even though he made hundreds of thousands of dollars? You betcha UofL would! And it certainly did.
From August 2004 to September 2005 there was serious discussion (over email) between the Provost and various others at the university about Felner’s repeated trips to Rhode Island.
08/30/2004 – Bridget Burke and Karen Howe discuss spending $7,000 to pay for his trips.
07/20/2005 – UofL auditor Jeane Kennedy questions whether or not there is a business purpose for Marilyn Felner’s repeated trips to Louisville and whether Felner’s trips to RI are business-related. She indicates that if the trips are personal, they’re to be reported to Human Resources as taxable income.
Later that day Jeane Kennedy spoke with Dave Barker about Felner’s travel and indicates that she’ll need to discuss the nature of the trips with Felner once everything is documented.
07/21/2005 – Assistant Dean in CEHD Don Carson tells Kennedy that he’s an authorized signatory. He indicates that Felner’s travel is “probably part of his agreed-upon moving package” in reference to a reimbursement check to Felner on 11/10/2003 in the amount of $8,400.70.
07/22/2005 – Willihnganz sends a memo to Felner stating the following, “I am glad that we were able to work out a salary adjustment to accommodate your needs. I do want to point out, however, that the adjustment to your salary (or any part of it) cannot be funded from benchmark dollars recently provided by the University. The benchmark funds are specifically for faculty increases and are not to be used to fund administrative raises. -LINE BREAK- Thank you for assuring that your salary adjustment is funded by funds other than the faculty benchmark funds.”
09/12/2005 – Willihnganz sends a memo to Felner about a $5,000 increase provided in lieu of an agreement to reimburse travel to RI. The Provost indicates the adjustment was made at the suggestion of the Internal Audit Office.
09/12/2005 – Willihnganz sends another memo to Felner confirming the reibursement agreement. It includes attached documents (his employment contract) from 2003 that Felner agreed to as part of his acceptance of his new position at the University of Louisville.
09/15/2005 – Willihnganz sends Felner an email that reads, “The university auditor doesn’t like the travel home arrangements we’ve made for you, so today you’ll be getting two letters. One that says all the travel you’ve done since you’ve been here that we’ve reimbursed has been approved by me, and one that says in the future we’ll have to do it differently. I’ve authorized 5000 a year as a supplement to your pay to cover the trips home, so you’ll get the funds up front rather than as a reimbursement. This way, we won’t have expenses to reimburse and nothing out of the ordinary will show up on audit reports…ok?”
Felner responded, “I understand. Thank you. I appreciate all you have done to try to help the situation.”
Isn’t it interesting that the Provost and Dean would attempt to slip a slick one by the university auditor? Hoo boy.
When did Jim Ramsey, Shirley Willihnganz and other administrators at the University of Louisville know about Robert Felner’s financial shenanigans?
No doubt they knew for a long time, but there’s very little documentation available that’s a part of the public record.
However, in a mid-May email discussion earlier this year, Ramsey alluded to “issues” surrounding Felner in a message about a Board of Overseers meeting. Here’s what he said, “Given the issues with Robert right now it actually might be better to hold this until things are settled.”
Was it possible that someone could be so snowed by Rober Felner that they would email Jim Ramsey directly in an attempt to heap praise upon him? Yesiree. Two people did just that.
05/19/2008 – David Britt, Chair of HSS emails Ramsey to say he feels compelled to express concern over the “possible loss of Dean Felner.” He said he had, “never encountered anyone with a greater passion for making things better for children coupled with a capacity to really effect meaningful change and move institutions forward. He may be without peer as a Dean of a School of Education. The positive contributions he has made during his tenure are almost staggering, and the opportunities that would be forgone with his leaving are painful to contemplate.
I understand that there are some “issues” that have arisen – issues that I must admit after spending an hour and a half with the University Attorney some time ago I still do not undestand. Not understanding their nature makes it impossible to refute them, of course, but they strike me as being baseless.
Given the questionable nature of these claims, letting him escape to become a Provost or President somewhere else and rob us of his leadership seems like an error that should not be made.
Forgive my presumption in writing in writing you directly. I have only very recently learned that he had received offers from other schools and that this cloud of allegations was clouding the options available.”
So not only did Britt heap the praise on Felner, he also mentioned being visited by the UofL attorney to discuss Felner’s legal problems. So the investigation was, according to this email, well underway in mid-May of this year.
Interestingly enough, Ramsey responded to Britt with the following, “Robert has done a great job making change in an environment where many of the faculty did not want change. It is my understanding that some issues have been raised with the Provost and she has asked for a follow through and investigation. I’m “on hold” in terms of commenting further until I receive that report. I do appreciate your input very much.”
05/23/2008 – Leon Mooneyhan, CEO of Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative, sent Ramsey and Willihnganz an email praising Felner’s work and development of a relationship with Jefferson County Public Schools and former Superintendent Steve Daeschner.
Ramsey responded that, “Change is difficult — Robert has brought about significant change and, as Shirley has indicated to you, we are not about to retreat in our committment to K-12…”
Egg on face alert.
By late May of this year it was clear that Robert Felner was leaving the University of Louisville (forced to leave to save the university embarrassment, moving on to take a crappier job, whatever), so Felner, Ramsey and Willihnganz had a long email discussion about his “separation” from UofL and the timing for everything.
05/20/2008 – Felner sent Ramsey and Willihnganz a note attached to an email and indicates he wishes to meet with both of them to discuss issues related to the note. Things like sick days, unused vacation days, use of a room at UofL to store his research until he moved, research equipment that he allegedly brought with him to the university.
05/21/2008 – Felner indicates he’s suffering from a delayed flight in Chicago. He also brings up a pending visit from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education in early fall. Willihnganz responds requesting a list of equipment and earmarks Felner brought with him so things could be worked out and she brought up the need to, “think about a communication strategy to talk about your (Felner’s) leaving.”
Later that same day, Felner responds to Willihnganz and Ramsey indicating that he no longer has a list of what he brought. He details some sort of three-year grant hoopla and talks about buying lots of equipment. He went on to suggest hiring David Britt (the guy who sang his praises– imagine that) as his replacement.
05/22/2008 – Felner sends an email to CEHD faculty and others announcing his departure. The message says: “It with mixture of excitement and regret that I write to inform you that I will be leaving to be a Chancellor of one of the University of Wisconsin system universities. The press release is due in the next few hours from the UW system and I did not want you to “read it in the papers.” He attached documentation from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside’s website.
What did Robert Felner do after he figured out that his initial pick to be his replacement wouldn’t get the gig? He started a campaign to get another crony appointed as Interim Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville.
05/24/2008 – Felner sent Ramsey an email gushing about all of the amazing work he’d done as dean. And he went on to recommend Ann Larson as his replacement, stating, “She will not interview as well as some because she is humble. But she can be firm in a nic way, is incredibly smart, good with the schools and community as well as the campus and is one of the new NON-polarizing folks over here.”
06/02/2008 – Ramsey responds to Felner telling him, “You have done an incredible job here and for that I am deeply indebted.” He went on to say he would be very involved in the search process for Felner’s replacement.
Later that day Felner responds to Ramsey, further singing the praises of Larson, saying: “As for at least the interim-the feedback has been overwhelming from out there and from the sane folks internally that the only one everyone feels good about is Dr. Larson. Leon, Bill Eckles, Marty Bell, Shelley Berman, and a range of others have less positive (far less) feelings about a number of others and I’ll share the pros and cons of the feedback I’ve received if that helps. We also had the NCATE/EPSB folks here today and they too were pretty clear that someone like her, at least for the next year as we deal with accreditation, who has the grasp and style she does, is necessary. I know in my conversations with Shirley that she had some sense that maybe it could be someone else and Ann as Executive Associate Dean could still move the ball – for reasons I would be happy to share – some having to do with the fact that the tribes are already preparing for new warfare – that model will really jeopardize the progress we have made-Ann can consolidate and keep the place moving forward.
I too think she is probably the only one without the baggage and without the propensity for polarization that other possible candidates…”
Ramsey responded simply by thanking Felner for his feedback.
Did Robert Felner do his best to trash everybody he worked with? Forever and ever, no matter what? It certainly seems that way.
He’s done everything– including heaping criticism on people many on this website allege are super-close to him.
06/03/2008 – After an ongoing email discussion between Sam Stringfield and Cindy Heine at the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, Felner fires off an email to Jim Ramsey in complaint.
He says, “This is both a good example of what we have been dealing with and the already rising sense of folks having been empowered to thumb their noses. Sam is, between us, the purest B.S.r I have every met. The district is fed up with his none delivery, folks internally are, and this Olin grant is reaching crisis proportions. Each time he has charmed (and he is darn good at that-I could probably learn) his way into them accepting an extension, each time he has missed his promises and then become angry at the folks who have asked that he meet what he promised.
The College and the University cannot absorb what is going to happen if this keeps up with Sam’s work on this and other things. So, as a going away “present to you I am going to push him on this grant as this is potentially a major donor and a major loss of a million dollar grant even as is. But, sam feels empowered because as he tells people “We got Felner….” I’ll try but this may well end up in a much bigger mess as my leverage is gone.
And, for gods sake not him or his chronies for Dean-the field will die laughing and the community and college will suffer. Steve D. would no longer talk with him and Shelly’s folks are close-as you know-if you blow off meetings and deliverables with community people-which he does after the first 2-3 they no longer care about why, only that they are done.”
And we’re left wondering what Stringfield did or didn’t do to Felner to warrant such a written tirade.
So… Is your head spinning yet? Are you left wondering when Jim Ramsey and Shirley Willihnganz will be forced to answer for their continual and awkward support of Robert Felner?
Not sure how to wrap this up so we’ll leave you with this: We’re still just scratching the surface. The best is yet to come.
45 responses so far ↓
1 KYJurisDoctor // Aug 27, 2008 at 10:52 am
This is a good reason why we need David Hawpe and Mark Hebert.
2 beenfollowing // Aug 27, 2008 at 11:08 am
Someone has to start, but where? OK, David Britt did not meet the qualifications for the job and the search committee said so. There was pressure by Felner and the department finally relented. This is a theme under Felner, extensive pressure until you hire unqualified persons. Britt’s academic qualifications does not place him in that department. The original decision of the search committee was the proper one. Instead, another Felner worshipper comes on board.
3 ed // Aug 27, 2008 at 11:21 am
I’m an outsider and don’t know the U of L players in this ugly saga. As you have all probably surmised, I am all about watching Felner crash and burn. Admittedly, I’m sort of a one trick pony in that regard.
That said, with everything Jake continues…and continues….to uncover, it becomes clearer to me that the broom need to clean house at U of L when this is over, just keeps getting bigger.
4 Always Amazed // Aug 27, 2008 at 11:28 am
I guess my question has been answered regarding involvement of HSS in this scandal with David Britt’s letter and Felner’s supporting him as an unqualified candidate for dean. So what drives the Felner/Britt loyalty? Is he another hugs&kisses buddy? This is really strange.
5 jake // Aug 27, 2008 at 11:32 am
ed: Everything here is Felner-specific.
Everyone else: I know it’s a lot to digest, but there are much greater issues brought to light in this story. Please take the time (if you can) to read everything and all of the PDFs.
6 Novena // Aug 27, 2008 at 11:46 am
“UofHell PR Skunkiness”
Geeze, Louise, what an avalanche of PR,
slingin’ emails so wide, deep, and far.
fear about how they” handled things.”
fakin’ “positive things” to sustain the kings.
egg on the face, “false” rumors true,
so-called “change agent” makin’ ya blue.
gave him a salary higher than G.W. Bush,
(parenthesis: they are roughly equivalent)
but don’t publicize it–shush, shush, shush.
paid for conjugal visits to distant RI,
will they do the same for Bob’s prison sty?
hold on ’til all is settled down here,
if “things” turn out OK, we’ll go for a beer.
yes, “incredible” work, dear ole Bob,
just like Brownie in his NOLA job.
outside voice: “Do I smell a skunk?”
yeah, that’s the reality of this PR junk.
7 Mike Jones // Aug 27, 2008 at 11:59 am
I nominate Novena for UofL Poet Laureate. Keep up the great work-you are a gift to those who have suffered so deeply.
8 UofL Faculty // Aug 27, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Both Britt and Larson need to be investigated. Their undying support of him may lead to uncovering monetary deals they had with Felner. Larson is one of the weakest players over there (no scholarship) and was promoted 3 times under Felner.
Why didn’t Felner nominate Hazleton for the position? They were certainly tight. Maybe Hazelton wouldn’t deal.
9 Give us a break // Aug 27, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Interesting reading, Jake. Takes a while to digest.
I particularly liked this culturally-sensitive quote from Jim Ramsey: “cannot run the risk of letting the Indians get back in control of the reservation.”
It pretty much sums up his view of democratic process and respect for all. It’s not surprising that he admired Felner’s “accomplishments.”
10 Always Amazed // Aug 27, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Did Ramsey ever bother to ask any of the “indians” why there was no relationship with Daeschner when he came? Might it be that Daeschner and Marty Bell are just as big of psychopaths and their buddy Blobby and the faculty learned to stay away from them?
And my personal favorite email is the one where Shirley and Blobby talk about how they are going to rewrite the Just Solutions report to make sure “their voice” is included.
11 Mike Jones // Aug 27, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Because of that comment alone, Jim Ramsey should be fired. Being of native american heritage, I am totally and completely offended and appalled that he would be so insensitive to an ethnic group. Who does he think he is? He has some explaining to do.
12 Novena // Aug 27, 2008 at 2:20 pm
“Pillow Talk in Faraway RI”
Hi, hon, back for another quickie,
slide over for some tickie, tickie.
Sly, been wonderin’ though,
these trips, where you get the dough?
Hon, I’m laughin’ so much I could sh*t.
Move over just a teensy little bit.
Watcha mean, Sly?
Hon, if I said, you’d think I lie.
“Fess up, Sly, I know your evil way.
Well–ifI must–U of L saved my day.
Watcha mean, Sly?
U of L springs for these rendez-vous.
Ya gotta be kiddin, Sly.
No, I’m cheatin’ ‘em and ridin’ high.
It’s not really kosher, Sly.
Kosher, schmoser, I’m livin’ ’til I die.
Sly, you make me scream.
Yah, it’s the cherries and whipped cream.
P.S. Where to put them on the expense account?
13 Davi (formerly "Not UofL connected)" // Aug 27, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Wow! And I’m not nearly through all the emails…
Is anyone else struck by Felner’s writing style? He does not write like someone with a PhD, much less, Dean of this department.
His playing the Provost, President and anyone else he needed to, in order to remove those who would cause him trouble (in other words–those who were “on to him” or were getting close), is remarkable. He moved people around like chess pieces and the higher-ups never caught on? He was simply “a hand full”?
Thank you Jake for this REAL information. The truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
14 Novena // Aug 27, 2008 at 3:09 pm
“UofHell Equal Opportunity Travel Guide”
Herr Dean, what about my travel to Murray?
Not kosher–no damn paper, no damn dough.
Herr Dean, may I go to Evansville?
No, you just went there in 2004.
Herr Dean, is Bowling Green too far?
Yes, I mean, no, you can’t go–I hate WKU.
Herr Dean, Paducah is a hop, skip . . .
No way, Jose, you skirt travel regs.
Secretary, do you have my next flight schedule?
Yes, sir, you’re back in RI 3:25 this Friday.
Is it personal or professional, sir?
No matter–they never have to ask.
15 Elizabeth // Aug 27, 2008 at 3:18 pm
One important distinction should be noted: Brent Fryrear sent an email note to Dr. Ramsey in his capacity as Chair of the Staff Senate, not as a representative of the Partnership for a Green City. The Staff Senate represents staff employees who work at the University of Louisville.
16 jake // Aug 27, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Elizabeth– Thanks for that clarification.
17 Novena // Aug 27, 2008 at 4:56 pm
“E. B. White, Bobby’s Not”
Davi, you’re so darn right–
Bobby’s writing is one big blight.
Now I’m actually startin’ to wonder:
the GED issue is worth a ponder.
Do you think he really got it?
His writing displays little wit.
His grammar, syntax, et al.–
we should throw it against the wall,
see what dribbles back–
a University Scholar or a hack?
Maybe he wears too many masks;
he can’t bear down on writing tasks.
There’s a subject (himself)–that’s all.
No verb to cushion his inevitable fall.
A crude empiricist, inner soul lost,
sigh, poor writing is a lesser cost.
P.S. Thank you, Mike Jones.
18 Novena // Aug 27, 2008 at 5:27 pm
“‘Indian’ Lore at the UofHell”
Jim, you need to learn:
Treat the “Indians” well–or burn.
Have you walked a mile in our shoes?
Have you ever felt suffocating blues?
What risks do you run now?
Not wanting us to run afoul?
Jim, we ask only this:
Treat us all alike, don’t diss.
We want some respect from you–
or your life will be profoundly blue.
19 Always Amazed // Aug 27, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Sam, Sam, Sam…who knew all this time you had such a huge knife in your back! Tsk, tsk…and Blobby had so much to learn from your B.S’n ways how to use his charm! This email perhaps shows Felner at his sickest state.
What is the Olin grant? Not sure I’ve heard this mentioned yet.
20 Novena // Aug 27, 2008 at 6:41 pm
“Truth & Consequences”
Yes, folks, this is complicated:
who’s to blame, who’s implicated?
First, we don’t want to be caught–
no tellin’ what we’ve wrought.
No appeasement–it makes’em strong;
no, we cannot be found wrong.
So, they’re unhappy here,
tell’em to fly away–without a tear.
Blood in the water, in the halls:
what dribble, just hold their silly calls.
P.S. Yeah, Jim, it’s just “anonymous crap.”
21 wc // Aug 27, 2008 at 7:30 pm
This string shows the adminstration as incompetent boobs at best. They gave him whatever he asked for, always believed his bullshit, and even praised him up until the end. Stupid adminstrators. Stupid, stupid people!
AND RACIST! Ramsey should be fired for that statement alone.
I am sickened by all of it. I wondered for years why our complaints weren’t heard, why they never asked him to leave. Now, I read this and understand that they didn’t remove him because they were incapable of it.
22 Brian Mathews // Aug 27, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I refuse to donate any money to the University of Louisville while Ramsey is still in office. While I don’t give much, it is still enough that I still receive an annual call asking for it. From his “anonymous crap” comment to this whole mess, he has been extremely embarrassing and unprofessional.
Thanks for keeping us updated, Jake.
23 Lucky // Aug 27, 2008 at 8:09 pm
It is possible Dr. Felner was correct about one person — Sam Stringfield, although I suppose it “takes one to know one” (biggest BSer ever).
Reading Dr. Karp’s memo to the faculty member brought back those awful years with her. She looked for ways to attack professors over the most miniscule things (a professor changes her classroom! Oh my!) and “writes them up” and puts them in the professor’s “permanent file.”
24 Give us a break // Aug 27, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Why did he push so hard for Ann Larson as the interim dean (and even permanent dean)? Did he think he could control her from afar? Was he a Munster fan as a child?
25 Novena // Aug 27, 2008 at 8:13 pm
“Play It Again, Sam”
We were partly wrong, Sam.
Bobby didn’t give a damn–
about you, even when you went “moo.”
It was tough to believe you–
how you were hired on cue,
how you lapped up to Bob,
so readily, like eatin’ corn on cob.
at long last, you found out
you really had no grand clout
with the man you upheld so well,
the man whom we fought like hell.
now, tend to the next grant,
where Bobby will go, he cain’t.
no need to visit him now,
his scam is done, let’s all take a bow.
26 Question // Aug 27, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Does anyone know what Sheldon Berman thought of Lil Bobby? Berman seems more psychologically balanced than the previous superintendent so I’m wondering if he joined the Felner bandwagon or saw through it.
27 Novena // Aug 27, 2008 at 8:43 pm
“The Witch of Oz”
Yes, Lucky, that chair still creates
confusion, hate–and debilitates.
like a haggard vulture cruisin’ on prey,
a buddin’ despot waitin’ for the dean,
trailin’ him around ever so keen.
workin’ hard to demoralize us,
a real surly, if smilin’, cuss.
how much more can we take?
fakin’ memos to act so busy,
puttin’ us all in a proverbial tizzy.
Big sis, let us stew alone –
no need to drop us a bone.
out the window you need to go,
still the witch swings wickedly and low.
28 jake // Aug 27, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Could we please limit this to one or two poems per post? 8 comments out of 27 are poetry. Our spam filter is getting highly confused and I have to manually approve each poem for some reason.
Greatly appreciate it, but would like to limit comments to actual discussion in as many instances as possible.
Novena: You’re hilarious! And should keep all of these for a book some day.
29 blowin' in the wind // Aug 27, 2008 at 9:05 pm
to Question… Berman is a breath of fresh air, but he was taken in by Felner, who courted him from the start. And he still has the Felner cheerleaders in his senior administration.
30 Pimp // Aug 27, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Thanks for making this information available. I wish I had had enough sense to request records like this when Felner was lying to me and ruining my career.
31 Novena // Aug 27, 2008 at 10:25 pm
“No Problem, Jake”
I promise–no more than two
per thread, though I am blue.
But I do have T & L class to prepare.
I cain’t do more ’cause I cain’t
afford another memo in my file.
Besides, workin’ for Obama now,
so McCain can go tend some cow.
32 SC // Aug 29, 2008 at 11:30 am
For those of you who haven’t had a chance to read all of Jake’s attachments — please don’t miss this one.
It details how Felner “reallocated” money from within the CEHD to give himself a HUGE raise in 2005. More than $50,000. And what is worst is that the Provost was OK with that. But when you read the note that describes how he has somehow managed to find maybe as much as $75-85 (thousand) dollars for himself — it just makes me want to barf. As it seems apparent the Provost has not yet determined “whether” and “how much” of a raise she is going to approve. So I am not sure he could SUCK up anymore as he tries to squirm his way into a $75K raise. I guess we should be grateful, she capped him at $56K and left at least $20K in the CEHD budget for other useful expenditures.
That email is a MUST READ. Don’t skip it.
“In 2007 his salary was $255,645 – $40,623 administrative supplement for being a Distinguished University Scholar, $61,312 administrative supplement for being dean, $153,710 for his tenured appointment.
CLICK HERE for some additional email discussion about Felner’s salary adjustments in 2005.”
33 Robpeterpaypaul // Aug 29, 2008 at 11:59 am
SC,
A good observation. I am sure that he also got glowing evaluations despite all the problems he created. Could there be a deliberate effort to deny some people tenure and raises to pay for his own salary.
34 SC // Aug 29, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Good Question Robpeterpaypaul,
When the university approves the merit raise pool — all those monies must be used; and it can only be used for faculty pay increases. Each unit is supposed to provide the Provost’s office with a distribution plan. That would be a good open records request too — the CEHD merit raise pool distribution plans and accounting of actual distributions for the past 5 years from the merit pool funds.
35 OldProf // Aug 29, 2008 at 8:20 pm
After reading the emails, it is clear why Jim Ramsey tolerated Bob Felener. Neither recognized the fundamental distinction between buying a successful project and creating a successful project. Jim Ramsey short-changed students, faculty and staff to put money into vainglorious glamour projects such as overpriced faculty from elsewhere, and fancy new buildings to put them in. Having rich colleagues in splendid quarters a few blocks away does not help teaching, learning or research in the rest of UofL. Despite all the administrative puffery, there is very, very little trickle-down. Bob Felener is similar to Jim Ramsey in talking a high-powered game, but not adding any real creativity, research work, or infrastructure support to the mix. Felner abused faculty who failed to bring in grant money, while failing to recognize the obstacles facing UofL faculty. Faculty members at other universities were able to create and sustain successful research programs because their universities built the infrastructure necessary to nurture and support their current talent, and displayed the appropriate attitude and policies necessary to encourage that talent. Administrators like Ramsey and Felner, by contrast, treated current students, staff, and faculty like mushrooms: keeping them in the dark, poring excrement on them, and then complaining that they were not flowering.
36 wc // Aug 29, 2008 at 9:40 pm
The raises Felner game himself make me vomit. That Shirley approved them makes me scream. HOW CAN THE UNIVERSITY KEEP SUCH AN INCOMPETENT? Felner controlled her. What a sad and pathetic character she is.
I do not know who is worse, Jim or Shirley.
So, Jake, you don’t think either should he fired? That was MY opinion 3 months ago when all this began. But after all has been revealed, I now think something a hell of lot more serious than an apology needs to happen.
37 jake // Aug 29, 2008 at 11:21 pm
It’s not that I don’t think they should be fired….
I think they should be held responsible.
Firing them is the easy way out.
They should answer for their deeds and THEN be let go.
38 ed // Aug 31, 2008 at 8:24 am
I have to stand by a couple of things I said early on. First, as people wonder how anyone could allow Felner’s behavior to go unchecked for so long…hurting so many, the answer remains simple and sad. He brought in money. Hard to imagine that such carnage would be allowed for that reason…but it’s true. Money simply talks.
Next, I still believe administrative heads will roll once the investigation, charges and trial are over…assuming (hoping) that’s the course this will take. Answering for thier deeds, Jake, is a nice idea and it would be nice if that happened. I’m just not sure what form it could take…unless there is something chargeable…which I suspect there isn’t. If “answering” involves any of them opening their mouths, the last several weeks shows us the potential for that to make things worse might be too great to risk. Fire thier asses, and accompany it with a statement. Humiliation and disgrace have a way of making one answer for his deeds. As you noted, they won’t be getting jobs anytime soon.
The question has been asked a number of times about how Bobby could have gotten all his jobs after leaving so much destruction in his wake. The answer….though not really an answer…or at least not a good one…is that this type of thing is not uncommon in education. I’ve seen more than a few instances where a university or even a school district wants to get rid of someone, and they are rehired somewhere else. We can only imagine what those reference calls were like. Omissions made, at least, “white lies” told at worst. So, yes, it happens. Highly unethical and unconscionable, but not illegal….as far as I know. Too bad.
All that said, I remain in a constant state of disbelief that one lowly and despicable semi-human being could possibly have brought so much horror to the lives of so many honest, hard working and dedicated people. Regardless of what they send him to prison for, it is THIS CRIME most will feel this piece of shit is actually (and finally) paying for.
39 SC // Aug 31, 2008 at 8:42 am
Ed — I agree Educational Administrators turn deaf, dumb, and blind toward the misdeeds of those with grants and funding. But here is the irony — while Felner may have brought in money at his previous stops — at U of L he did not. Despite having his very own personal Research Center, cash, staff — it did not produce any significant funding.
The $694K federal grant was an earmark and his first real “hit”. I believe it resulted more from his smoozing Northup than any real research idea or proposal. In other words, he got the money, so he had to come up with a proposal to be able to spend the money.
Plus, in the grand scheme of things, the $694K probably returned little to the university in the form of indirects. So once again — it is a matter of perception and misdirection. If one says they are a rainmaker long enough and loud enough – they must be a rainmaker. The indictment of Ramsey and others comes from not knowing or not caring that there is a difference between rhetoric and reality.
But again — Welcome to RamseyWorld. The Magical Kingdom of Distortion and Denial.
40 Give us a break... // Aug 31, 2008 at 10:08 am
The sad thing is that administrations of any type do what they want, and it’s usually for their own benefit. And they are more interested in covering themselves than in standing on firm moral principles. On the local level, look at how JCPS did a ten-second investigation and said that they could find nothing wrong in the death of the PRP football player. At the national level, look at Bush, Cheney, and the war in Iraq. Dennis Kucinich enters his motions for impeachment into the Congressional Record, but no one pays attention.
It’s democracy in theory, but not in practice.
It’s the big guy against the little guy, and unless the little guy stands up to the big guy nothing happens. We all write on this blog, but we’re afraid to speak up and identify ourselves because we have little power and have been crushed in the last 5 years.
Shows us the role of the press in this country. We’re relying on the news people – Jake and this blog, the CJ, etc. to save us. Maybe we have to be braver. How about those brave people who spoke up about what they heard at the PRP football practice? We weren’t just hurt ourselves; we saw many around us hurt as well. Will anybody be held responsible? Will attaching our names to our experiences help us now that all of this has come out in the public eye or just get us more of the same?
41 wc // Aug 31, 2008 at 10:14 am
SC has it all correct. Felner brought it little money and even less overhead. He produced an embarrassing amount of scholarship for his title and salary. The VP for research should never have let Felner get renewed as Distinguished Scholar. That appointment is supposed to be contigent upon bringing in federal dollars with overhead and publishing a substantial number of articles and books that have an impact. He did neither. The VP for research was new when Felner was renewed, so he lucked out. Nancy Martin may not have let it happen.
Just an FYI. I just learned that Karen Karp actually applied for the VP for research position. She thought she had a chance since she had the backing of Felner. I never thought of her as the clueless type, but maybe she is. I bet her application was a total joke. Maybe she really doesn’t know what she is doing.
I read somewhere that those we hate have bigger wounds that we do. Maybe we should all start being sympathetic. This info about Karp is nothing short of pathetic.
42 jake // Aug 31, 2008 at 10:30 am
People need to, at this point, start standing up and talking on-the-record.
People who have left UofL need to secure the support of their currently employers and then open with with documents, evidence, whatever they’ve got.
And the dozens and dozens who are afraid to speak off-the-record for fear or retribution– still– they need to start opening up. We protect our sources and will work with you.
But something’s gotta change or no progress will be made.
43 SC // Aug 31, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Jake, I know you are right. But the last time 27 people stepped up and went on the record they (and their students & colleagues) were bullied, disparaged, and attacked (personally and professionally). And none of the people or entities who should have supported them (faculty senate, mediators, senior administrators, colleagues, and some friends) would support them. Those who should have supported them fell victim to their own selfish needs , wants, or fears which overrode their basic knowledge that what was happening was wrong.
Those who remain can not risk a second go round; and this time at an even higher level — Provost, President, and Board of Trustees. Unless and until at least one person who has the authority and responsibility to evaluate this situation exercises that authority/responsibility. I do hope there is at least one administrator; one faculty senator; one member of the Board; or one member of the General Assembly — who will provide the protection these people need to be able to come forward and speak on the record.
You are right of course — “one man with courage makes a majority”. I am just not sure that “one” can come from those who have endured this situation for more than five years.
44 jake // Aug 31, 2008 at 1:46 pm
At the time those 27 stood up, they didn’t have the attention of the nation fixated on them. And Felner was in power at the time.
Times have changed. Thousands upon thousands of people are paying close attention. Those numbers include national education officials, law makers, law enforcement agencies, human rights groups. I can’t even begin to detail just how many people are closely following this story.
If people want change, they’ll start at least working off-the-record with people like me to provide details to the public. If they don’t want change? They’ll keep doing what they’re doing.
I recognize that fear is powerful and am reluctant to criticize. But the time has come to open up so the innocent do not suffer as a result of this backlash.
45 A Much-Awaited Inside Look at the Communication of former dean Robert Felner, President Jim Ramsey and Provost Shirley Willihnganz - Or How to Make the University of Louisville Look As Bad As Possible // Feb 13, 2009 at 8:24 pm
[...] PageOneKetucky.com: A Much-Awaited Inside Look at the Communication of Robert Felner, Jim Ramsey and Shirley Willihnganz… [...]
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