79 responses so far ↓

• 1 Davi // Aug 29, 2008 at 3:13 pm

  Jake, your “tidbit” is evil; you leave us hanging, and on a holiday weekend!
  Can’t you spare a few hints?

• 2 jake // Aug 29, 2008 at 3:16 pm

  Davi – That’s all I know.

  People are careful not to tell me TOO much, usually. Especially when they want people like Jim Ramsey to feel the heat.

• 3 James R. // Aug 29, 2008 at 3:48 pm

  I am glad you have advanced this story as much as you have. What Felner has done is bad, the arrogance of James Ramsey is worse.

• 4 UofL Faculty // Aug 29, 2008 at 3:54 pm

  Shirley,

  Where is YOUR letter? We are waiting.

• 5 Jefferson // Aug 29, 2008 at 4:00 pm

  Where’s Crit on this? Why hasn’t she audited her very good friend Jim Ramsey whom she served beside in Patton administration?

• 6 beerme // Aug 29, 2008 at 4:01 pm

  Jim will get a slap on the wrist. His buddy, Gov. Patton, who will gain control of the CPE board by then, will have the legislators put on a soft dog and pony show. The Provost will probably become the fall guy (gal).

• 7 Davi // Aug 29, 2008 at 4:17 pm

  Thank you Jake. You are much appreciated!

  Guess we’ll just wait and let Dr. Ramsey worry about what he should have done and how he should have treated his faculty. The “should haves” are his pathway to addressing the Felner episode as well as he possibly can at this point.

  Let’s hope he can handle it with dignity, truth, and compassion for the wrongs done to so many.

• 8 Always Amazed // Aug 29, 2008 at 4:47 pm

  James Ramsey- you are full of shit. And pray tell who was the member of the Board of Overseers who visited CEHD claiming that JCPS prefers UL grads over other colleges in the area? Let me guess….was it “Dr.” Marty Bell?

  And by the way, I am an alum….when did you send this to me in a letter or email? I just got one the other day about tailgating….am I only important enough to be told about where I can go get beer for $1? Oh don’t worry, my $1M check is in the mail to cover the postage.

• 9 Why // Aug 29, 2008 at 5:33 pm

  Wow! We used to think that Shirley wasn’t able to stand up to Robert and that things would get better for us once Ramsey found out what was going on.
  Were we ever wrong. Ramsey’s distortion of the record, particularly the no-confidence vote is mind boggling. First, Ramsey notes that the vote resulted from a motion from the floor (Pedro’s) that was not on the agenda. That’s correct. The point, though, is that this occurred because, under Felner, there was no way of getting items on the agenda, just as there was no way to nominate people to committees. You could vote only for the people Felner had nominated. He had total control. The motion was a brave and brilliant parliamentary maneuver on Pedro’s part. Second, Ramsey says that “many” did not vote. The minutes state that 2 abstained. Third, he says that a delegation from the College came to see Shirley and voice their support of Felner. An informal visit cannot negate an official, formal vote. Although the entire faculty was not present, as Ramsey stated, there was a quorum. The vote was official. The visit was not.
  The people who supported the motion of no confidence did so under great duress. Many had to go through great pains to mark their ballots without being seen by Felner favorites who just happened to be sitting behind them with good views of their hands. Ramsey could not have known that, but he could have seen in the minutes of the meeting that only a few spoke in favor of the motion even though more than half of the people present voted for it. The minutes also indicate that someone went to the front of the room to witness the counting of the ballots. There was that much distrust.
  Instead of taking a constructive approach to such a rebuke, Felner and his Leadership Team spent the next year and a half trying to figure out who voted against them. Those who were suspected of supporting the no-confidence motion felt Felner’s wrath.
  A vote of no confidence is one of the strongest forms of censure that a faculty has. Ramsey could not have known all of the reasons for it, but a true leader would have personally investigated such a strong signal that something was seriously wrong. A true leader also checks his facts.

• 10 jake // Aug 29, 2008 at 5:37 pm

  Why: Thank you for that.

  A true leader doesn’t lie to the media and treat his faculty and staff like they’re “anonymous crap.”

• 11 blowin' in the wind // Aug 29, 2008 at 5:37 pm

  What planet does Ramsey live on? Certainly not this one. The notion that U of L is in the tiniest way responsible for improvements in JCPS is ridiculous! Marty Bell and Bill Eckels do not speak for the teachers, the kids, and the schools. Self-serving letters will not make this problem go away.

• 12 blowin' in the wind // Aug 29, 2008 at 6:05 pm

  Any management “guru” worth his/her salt will tell you that when an organization breaks down as CEHD–and I would argue, the university–has done, it is the SYSTEM that is primarily at fault. Felner could not do what he did if the system wasn’t already in melt-down. Perhaps the Trustees could ask Toyota to let them take the TQM seminars they require of their employees.

• 13 Novena // Aug 29, 2008 at 7:34 pm

  “UofHell Agents of Change”

  We hired Bob as the CEHD agent of change.
  didn’t guess he’d bring in scudzy mange.
  “All of our new Deans have played” that game,
  our scorecard headin’ us to sure-fire fame.
  But we needed a hatchet man with big balls,
  who could kick lame profs down the halls.
  who could get at least one grant, one grant–
  even from an ex-Congresswoman known to rant.
  We succeeded beyond anyone’s belief.
  Why is that soon we may be seeking relief?

  P.S. As Aritstole said, “Change is . . . sweet.”

• 14 Novena // Aug 29, 2008 at 8:22 pm

  “CYA on the Way to Grawemeyer Hall”

  Jake, you can really ruin one man’s day,
  sayin’ in this sh*tuation I got feet of clay.
  I did “try to improve” things with all my might,
  referenced him ’til my eyes were a fright.
  bloodshot, syrupy stains on my lids–
  exactly what I’ll say to the State House kids.
  Jake, Exodus, you surely know by heart.
  To paraphrase: I admit I opened a pit,
  and juss maybe, mind you, I dug a bit,
  juss want to cover my absent-minded arse–
  before this damn thing becomes a farce.

• 15 blowin' in the wind // Aug 29, 2008 at 8:29 pm

  Novena…that’s your quota for tonight. Practice some prose, please.

• 16 beyung // Aug 29, 2008 at 8:52 pm

  Thank you all – and have a good night – and a great labor day weekend. As this saga goes on, I am daily blown away by the courage of the people of UofL. I only wish that the other universities Bobby worked for had spoken up sooner and saved a lot of pain.

• 17 wc // Aug 29, 2008 at 9:18 pm

  What a crock of shit. The College did not have 100 VOTING members. All but just a few faculty were at that meeting. How dishonest Ramsey is, to imply that only half the faculty were interested enough in the situation to show up that day.

  He implies they tried to do something, but all those emails Jake provided us makes Ramsey look like nothing more than a liar. Ramsey loved him, defended him, supported him and called all of us indians.

  This man has no business being president of a major university.

• 18 HowardWCampbelljr // Aug 29, 2008 at 11:56 pm

  The vote was supposed to be by the tenure and tenure track faculty. We had a quorum. The 100 or so might represent all of the term, staff and other related people but not tenure lines. We only had about 60 to 70 people that could vote. The idea that 27 did not represent the majority is ridiculous. Of the people that voted it was a majority and even of those that were present it was the majority.

• 19 blowin' in the wind // Aug 30, 2008 at 12:13 am

  First do no harm…should be the ethical foundation of education as well as medicine. It seems clear from the events of the past two months that U of L has no ethical foundation, therefore no foundation at all. Until that foundation is in place, the community can expect nothing but crumbling pillars.

• 20 SC // Aug 30, 2008 at 12:52 am

  If as Ramsey suggests — the CEHD had 100+ voting faculty (which of course is total horse sh**) — but lets assume that were true to just to further illustrate why his arguments are both illogical and irreconcilable. Instead of slinking over the Provost to avow their allegiance and confidence in Felner — why not simply call another meeting and follow established protocol (as Pedro did) and sumbit a Motion of Confidence to over-ride the no confidence vote. If as Ramsey implies, almost 50 votes were not cast — wouldn’t it be simple to override a mere 27 votes. I mean 50 + 24 = 74 — that could crush those 27 votes of no confidence.

  The reason this did not happen is quite obvious — they didn’t have the votes and they knew it.

  They didn’t have the votes because 27+24+2=53. And since here in the real world (not RamseyWorld) the CEHD only had around 60-65 eligible tenured or tenure track faculty. 27 is both a majority of those eligible to vote; and of those actually voting.

  So instead they used back channels and lies; and the Provost sucked it in; and Ramsey continues to spew it out.

  Once again — open records requests can easily ask for the attendance records from that meeting; and from that list it is easy to determine who was eligible to vote; who was in attendance; who was absent. But instead of even doing the most rudimentary investigation to get actual, truthful information — the administration just generalizes and misdirects; and then seems so surprised when the media, faculty, staff, and the community are outraged.

  Welcome to RamseyWorld! Enjoy your Stay!

• 21 Lucky // Aug 30, 2008 at 9:21 am

  I am worried nothing will change at the university. I am more worried that nothing will change in the CEHD. Having Blake as dean means nothing if Karen Karp, Bob Ronou, Margaret Pentecost, and Cheryl Kolander remain in power. I wonder if they are being protected by Shirely as well because of their friendship with Tori Molfese. I also find it sickening that there people are distancing themselves from Felner. Tori has mocked him but wasn’t she the one praising him on his last day?

• 22 Always Amazed // Aug 30, 2008 at 9:47 am

  Tori Molfese should be investigated as well. She is an unethical, federal grant grabbing, manipulative liar. Not to mention that she manipulates research data to suit her own purposes. No wonder she and Felner got along.

• 23 Flag // Aug 30, 2008 at 10:48 am

  Suggest we all head over to Frankfort when that public hearing starts …

• 24 Give us a break... // Aug 30, 2008 at 10:51 am

  What does this mean: “Blake (Haselton) has found that almost all the faculty and staff are ready to move forward.”

  This is more talk among the “top.” It isn’t just the associate deans that were the problem in CEHD but the department chairs as well. As long as Blake does most of his communication through Felner’s choices – Karp, Shapiro, Petrosko, Britt – he will hear what Ramsey wants to hear.

  If Ramsey or Haselton think that people feel safe speaking up in CEHD, they are mistaken. We can’t suddenly trust those who worked in behalf of Felner because Felner is gone. Even if we do speak up, the information is filtered through those who are trying to save themselves because they were part of Felner’s administration (people who compromised their values and their colleagues to serve Felner and to reap whatever rewards they received to do so).

  Ramsey talking about “healing” is ridiculous given both the history of what went on and the fact that no one in administration has been replaced. He apparently doesn’t know that healing includes the admission of hurt. Administration is now trying to placate the media with the same sick administration in place.

  What we have found out about this – not surprising – is those in power are going to protect each others backs so they can retain their power and all the perks that go with it. They apparently have no qualms about abusing those who do most of the work. And they don’t intend to make any real changes.

  It makes me physically ill to go to work.

• 25 Flag // Aug 30, 2008 at 10:56 am

  Re Ramsey’s letter, his statement that none of the four “grievances moved forward as negative toward the Dean” is an underhanded attempt to distort the truth. In at least one of those cases, when it became clear that Felner would lose the case based on startling evidence, they hustled everyone out of the room and found a way to settle it – confidentially. That way, he can say what he said, but really it is just a damn lie.

• 26 jake // Aug 30, 2008 at 11:00 am

  People aren’t just afraid to speak up– they’re terrified. Can’t tell you how frustrating it is to get people to talk, even anonymously, about anything that’s going on.

  Even former faculty are terrified when the facts are on their side.

  It’s sick.

• 27 alan harbig // Aug 30, 2008 at 11:33 am

  That reference by Ramsey to “Indians” and the “reservation” should be grounds for censure by the faculty senate. Take charge of the situation, folks!!!

• 28 Give us a break... // Aug 30, 2008 at 12:00 pm

  Three more points:

  1. Comments on the CJ story are piling up on their website. Thank you, CJ readers.

  2. A point that I have not seen raised is how faculty who were treated so poorly served as the buffer between students and the administration who were more interested in their own rewards and making marks on the scorecard than really serving students. Ramsey owes those faculty who kept working diligently, recruiting students even when they wondered about the ethics of bringing new people into such a horrible environment, teaching with care for students, putting on a good face so students could believe they were in a good place, etc. It made us feel like enablers.

  3. This is petty but why can’t the CJ publish a RECENT picture of Felner. I’m sick of that Brian Wilson look (thank you, ed, for your apt description). We never saw him when he looked like that. We saw the chins.

• 29 Give us a break... // Aug 30, 2008 at 12:02 pm

  And, Jake (#26), it’s called PTSD.

• 30 Whatashame! // Aug 30, 2008 at 12:33 pm

  Lucky, you are absolutely right. I have seen Ann Larson behaving the same way in some other situations. She is too clever. Most of the people you mentioned above appear nice but in reality are even more dangerous than Felner and Karp. Add another one to the list Sam . I do give Felner a credit for recognizing him big time b.s.er.

• 31 Whocares // Aug 30, 2008 at 12:39 pm

  I am surprised at Ramsey’s pc sensitivities, do not let the indians control the reservation. Thank you, Mr. President. I am sure that you have also something to say about African Americans and Hispanics. Can we also hear about it or you just share that with your top administrators? I am ashamed to be a graduate from such university?

• 32 Sohilarious // Aug 30, 2008 at 1:20 pm

  Isn’t hilarious, provost writing to Felner,
  “You have done an incredible job here, and I am deeply indebted.” At the same time univerity reporting to the Feds about his suspected illegal activities. Is it called, speaking from both sides of the mouth?

• 33 wc // Aug 30, 2008 at 1:33 pm

  To me, I think the most disconcerting comment is Shirley writing to Felner and saying, “I will really miss you.” That says it all. Sorry, Shirl, but you can’t have it both ways. Can’t play us like that. We are smarter than you. You just don’t get to lie to us now and say you had attempted to resolve the situation when we now see lots of evidence that all you did was praise him and giving him huge raises.

  “I will really miss you,” Shirl.

• 34 Novena // Aug 30, 2008 at 3:43 pm

  To bring Bobby’s viciousness into starker relief (if that is possible), I know of several cases that show he was a mean, evil administrator without a cause. By that I mean “being mean just to be mean.”

  The three faculty I am thinking about (some of the CEHD’s finest at the time) were told that Bobby had called their new deans at other places–after they had already been hired. One can only imagine the one-sided “dialogue” on his end. Fortunately, the deans involved were aware of his track record . They simply ignored the senseless rants as something akin to the voice of a madman. Too bad UofL central administrators did not do the same since, by that time, they were doubtless aware of Bobby’s brutal dealings.

  In the past few years, academics across the country have become increasingly aware of F. as a “person” and a “professional” (much to the detriment of UofL). This blog, for example, has posted an e-mail to Shirley from an administrator in Illinois, decrying Bobby’s antics at a convention. I have heard similar tales, which seem highly believable given the biography we now know. Again, he surely made UofL “proud.”

  In the end, I’m glad the three faculty alluded to found more hospitable homes. That result is indeed enviable, especially if you have lived in the CEHD and UofL these past five years.

• 35 OldProf // Aug 30, 2008 at 4:14 pm

  Ramsey supported Felner because they have similar values. Both have an addiction to bragging about puffed-up accomplishments, and both do not care about who is injured in their pursuit of personal glory, aka “change”. While UofL was going through painful budget cuts, and dealing with the Felner scandal, Ramsey went off to a safari in Africa. Typical.

• 36 blowin' in the wind // Aug 30, 2008 at 4:32 pm

  As I have noted before, info about this is being read all over the world. I have had emails from academic friends in Texas, London, and Melbourne–U of L is certainly visible out there, but not in a good way.

• 37 Question // Aug 30, 2008 at 4:34 pm

  Tori is someone who knows how to play any game she needs to in order to get what she wants. How she, Karp, Ronau, and the rest of the crew can sleep at night is unimaginable.

• 38 Sohilarious // Aug 30, 2008 at 6:21 pm

  Question, how about Bobby Felner? How he might be sleeping wondering and worrying about what is going to happen? I also wonder if he will go to jail or just return the money and go scott free ? If he does go to jail, what is the possibility that he might take some others with him?

• 39 Novena // Aug 30, 2008 at 7:24 pm

  “On Safari with JR”

  I imagine ragged kids on First Street,
  could be heppin’ CEHD get’em on their feet.
  But I walk in Africa (parenthesis: I walk fast).
  Now lookin’ busy on my deeluxe Land-Rover,
  vast deserts, vast forests to drive over.
  Could be musin’ on that budget concern–
  nah, I’m lotioned up to avoid sunburn.
  Could be checkin’ on the Bobby crap,
  but it’s hard to find my way on this here map.
  Forget the “Save the Children” crusade,
  I’m sittin’ up high, sippin’ lemonade.
  It’s a darn cheetah moment, man:
  no guilt, no prof predators to fan.
  Woo-wee, my head feels comfy in the sand.

• 40 Just ridiculous // Aug 30, 2008 at 10:39 pm

  After reading Ramsey’s letter, I literally feel ill. Everything this man has communicated since this whole debacle finally came to light has been nothing short of an assault on the collective intelligence of the people of the CEHD. He writes that an external firm will be conducting an audit of business practices. So what? If this audit does not look favorable, they will simply bury the report or “rework it with Jim and Shirley’s voice” just like the Just Solutions report.

  The constantly quoted statistics do nothing but reaffirm my belief that the man leading this university has completely forgotten that real flesh and blood human beings function here.

• 41 elkam // Aug 31, 2008 at 10:22 pm

  Why do not good people do something when there is injustice? It is not always known what people do. Some people who have been criticized on this blog have helped students in significant ways that are not public. I was one of those students in my graduate studies in CEHD.

  I don’t want to name the person I am referring to because more may be written about her, but she helped me finish my program in a way that no other faculty seemed remotely interested in doing. I know she has done this for others, too, and would not ever bring this to be public information. Assuming someone is in line with those in power may be a faulty way of thinking.

  I am sure some of the CEHD administrators (especially the former dean from what I observed and heard) deserve harsh critique; others do not, in my experience.

  Over the years of my studies, I learned that faculty are not free to stand up in situations where there are differences in power. As a graduate student, I have observed this all the time. A full professor can speak up against power but still get marginalized. But professors who are lower in their status can rarely stand up to power — when they experience bias or when they see their peers in departments or programs go through this. The stakes are very high.

  I knew of two professors in one department who did not get promoted/tenured while Felner was the CEHD dean but were well liked by students and appeared to be good faculty at UofL (I had one and knew of another from a friend in grad school). Other young professors got hired or promoted who do not seem as good. There are also many instructors who are not professors in CEHD but who teach many classes. All of this confused me as a graduate student who was looking for university positions. I have wondered if this how all universities operate.

  I hope that the end of the investigation and findings from the auditors will help end the turmoil in the CEHD.

• 42 SC // Aug 31, 2008 at 11:01 pm

  Everyone should read Jake’s comment on the “much awaited” post. We have all heard so many stories from so many students, staff, and faculty. We need to share those stories with the only people right now who are willing to help us — the press. Contact Jake or Christopher Hall at the Leo and tell them your stories. Even if it is just Felner’s odd behavior outside classrooms, at graduation, in meetings, etc. And certainly if you observed directly his marginalization of facutly, staff, students — share those stories.

  We need an independent investigator to examine the employment practices in the CEHD under U of L, but until we get that — keeping the pressure on through the media is a must.

• 43 Novena // Sep 1, 2008 at 2:47 am

  “CEHD Crusader for the Holy Grail”

  The other day a “distinguished scholar” still
  sang Blobby’s praises out the window still.
  sayin’ how he’d done so much,
  displayin’ an attitude out of touch.
  Lo, these “distinguished scholars” need relief–
  from the tension of not havin’ to teach.
  They become faintly delusional, mind you,
  drivin’ us mad, don’t have a clue.
  Yet they assiduously seek the Holy Grail,
  clawin’ and strugglin’ not to fail:
  to obtain at all costs, to glorify, to brag–
  the one lone grant they got in the bag.

  P.S. I’m tired–the Obama activites went late.

• 44 Novena // Sep 1, 2008 at 7:13 am

  “Sumpin’ Good from the Bobby Mess”

  Every disaster has a silver linin,’
  never saw such CEHD confab and dinin.’
  What’s new now? they call to say.
  Wantin’ more gruel each and every day.
  Seen some profs not seen since Xmas–
  said nary a word then, now a livin’ cuss.
  True, not true dialog per se, yet a
  start from some folks who don’t say “heh.”
  Praise the Lord, maybe we’ll all pass the tess–
  and learn sumpin’ from this ole Bobby mess.

• 45 Novena // Sep 1, 2008 at 8:40 am

  “”Little Napoleon’s Town Hall Thuds”

  A story not to go unmentioned, Jake:
  the oft- maligned town-hall fake.
  Bobby held them to make our day,
  if the day could be called “No Say.”
  Humiliatin’ experiences for us all
  (parenthesis: except for the kiss-ups)
  callin’ us losers, hittin’ our collective jaw.
  yellin’ at us like no dean ever seen,
  makin’ himself look so competent and clean.
  His bloviatin’ made O’Reilly seem kind,
  puttin’ a big shine on his bigger behind.
  He made his whole damn agenda land,
  then came ye olde “no-confidence” stand.
  Little Nap, who are the losers now?
  You, the kiss-ups, the honchos–all your fowl.

  P.S. Sorry, I’m a mornin’ person.

• 46 wc // Sep 1, 2008 at 8:47 am

  Hey Folks–

  Read this one all the way through.

  http://www.margaretsoltan.com/?p=4468

• 47 ed // Sep 1, 2008 at 8:53 am

  wc,

  Yeah, I read it yesterday and was stuck by the similarities. Let’s hope they both end the same way!!!

• 48 ed // Sep 1, 2008 at 8:56 am

  I meant struck.

• 49 jake // Sep 1, 2008 at 9:39 am

  Poetry, folks. Please remember what I wrote a couple days ago.

  The more you write, the more I have to pull from the spam filter.

  I appreciate the creativity, but please start leaving regular comments.

• 50 Novena // Sep 1, 2008 at 10:02 am

  “Word Spreads to Denver and Beyond”

  We thank the UD prof for spreadin’ the word, from West to East, about our nutbag turd. He is, indeed, an “egomaniac” of the material world–shining cars, houses, girls uncurled. Now, as the legal mess becomes unwound, how many thefts and lost souls will be found? Jake, check the basement of Grawemeyer Hall for decomposed bodies in the furnace wall.
  P.S. My new invention: prosetry. Jake, this should help?

• 51 blowin' in the wind // Sep 1, 2008 at 10:25 am

  Novena…UD is University Diaries and the good professor is at George Washington University…in the good old nation’s capital–actuallt it has spread to Australia and New Zealand as well…they just don’t blog as well as Washington DC English professors…

• 52 Novena // Sep 1, 2008 at 10:48 am

  blowin,’

  Many thanks for the correction. I now recall you tellin’ about it spreadin’ to Australia and New Zealand. You send out informative prose, my friend. Keep up the good work.

• 53 Justwondering // Sep 1, 2008 at 11:36 am

  People generally talk about nepotism as a problem in the workplace. How about ethnicity?Are there any ethnic similarities between Felner and his cronies, Karp, Molfese, Shapiro, Shirley (hard to spell her name, Willignaz), and many many more.

• 54 Hoping // Sep 1, 2008 at 11:37 am

  Wc, thanks for sharing the information. I hope bobby goes to jail.

• 55 blowin' in the wind // Sep 1, 2008 at 11:55 am

  Speaking of nepotism in the workplace, isn’t it interested that one of Felner’s strongest supporters at JCPS, head of human resources, also has a wife and son who are assistant principals…KERA only took care of school board members…

• 56 blowin' in the wind // Sep 1, 2008 at 11:56 am

  OOPS…meant interesting…

• 57 le gardien // Sep 1, 2008 at 12:12 pm

  in response to Justwondering’s observation, shirley W is a catholic…

• 58 Novena // Sep 1, 2008 at 12:20 pm

  Justwondering,
  Just wondering about ethnic roots has no place here–or anywhere. Please be kinder; show you care. We’re all part of humanity–in the end, one family.

• 59 Becareful // Sep 1, 2008 at 12:21 pm

  WC. incredible similarities. We also have a Research Scient from Johns Hopkins, Sam. Watch out folks. Care gentle care!

• 60 Neverending Story // Sep 1, 2008 at 12:23 pm

  Like Jake, gave the title. It is really a never ending story.

• 61 ed // Sep 1, 2008 at 1:02 pm

  Neverending,

  It’ll end. This is probably the “darkest before the dawn” time for everyone. But, soon, one major chapter of this story will end with the slamming of a cell door. Then the work on campus begins, and that, too, will be cleaned up in time. How can it not?

  Everything passes in time. Before long, we won’t think about Bobby until we open the paper and see his and Bubba’s engagement notice.

• 62 blowin' in the wind // Sep 1, 2008 at 2:13 pm

  ed… I love your optimism. Are you still at a university? I can’t be truly optimistic until the causes of the illness at U of L are found and excised. Robert Felner, bad as he was for the university, is a symptom, not the disease itself. In fact, he was a symptom at every university that passed him on. It’s great that a broken leg gets set, but what if the illness is cancer and all you’ve done is set a broken leg?

• 63 ed // Sep 1, 2008 at 3:25 pm

  blowin,

  I never was at the university. In fact, I’m very far away and have never been to Kentucky. A while back, when I was having an exchange with Sam, someone else mistook me for someone there, too. Maybe two eds are better than one. Sorry…couldn’t resist.

  And, yes, I am optimistic…both in regard to Felner and U of L. I’m sort of a flag waving American and part of that means having faith in our legal system. Given what I’ve read, and know of the man, I just cannot let myself believe for a nanosecond that he’ll walk. And I’m delighted at that prospect.

  And, maybe…maybe…. my distance from you gives me and different perspective when it comes to U of L. It’s possible that being so close to it has somewhat of a forest and trees effect.

  Jake said U of L was a great school and would send his kids there. I’m guessing he knows of hard working people there, great programs, and possibly some grads who went on to do some impressive things. But, like many of you, he knows that because he’s there…and knows the school.

  Once you pass some geographical radius from Louisville, that personal insight into the school lessens and becomes more and more about impressions and perceptions. If what I’m reading here is accurate, what Felner has done is being closely followed at least nationally, and probably internationally. Those truly in charge of the university are certainly aware of the perceptions they are creating world wide.

  With comments like “anonymous crap” and “Indians taking over the reservation” combined with administative emails showing they knew there were problems but ignored them…and toss in a no confidence vote that went largely ignored…and so much more….what’s the nation and world to think of U of L? That administrators are, at least, buffoons and, at worst, incompetent and ignorant. And, in many minds, it’s no huge leap from that to culpable.

  And, there is simply no way….no way….those in charge can allow that perception to stand. I’m sorry, Jake, I know you said you didn’t see the need (yet) for administrative firings, but I do. Once Felner’s cell is locked, I don’t see where the Board of Trustees has any other choice but to…at least…ax Ramsey. And likely others.

  The Board knows those actions will be carried by Jake and others, and they HAVE to see it as their only alternative if their goal is to restore the school’s integrity…which has taken an enormous hit in just 8 weeks. Drastic and decisive action will be crucial. Further, that action may be the ONLY way to create an atmosphere of cooperation and trust among the faculty there. How better to bring them closer, restore faith in their leadership, and allow them to get the business of education back on track? Doing nothing, and creating a situation where all this just festers, is simply not an option.

  So….yes!!…..I’m optimistic, blowin. My one big fear in all this is that Bubba, like all of us, won’t like Bobby.

• 64 Davi // Sep 1, 2008 at 3:49 pm

  After reading the story to which wc posted the link, and after reading about all the fake corporations…my mind went wild:

  Remember when big hearted Barbara Bush offered a donation of educational software tied to No Child Left Behind to the children of Katrina-destroyed New Orleans–the software company being owned by her son Neil, of the famed savings and loan scandal? (A gift which would be tax deductible to her) The wildest imagining could have the entire No Child Left Behind campaign a big sham designed to enrich all those who envision the “opportunities”.

  Could this Felner thing go deeply into ALL of No Child Left Behind?

• 65 Davi // Sep 1, 2008 at 3:51 pm

  In other words: are there lots of Felners bleeding this program? Could the whole program have been designed to feed Neil Bush and any other stray friends/family/associates?

• 66 Billie Whitted // Sep 1, 2008 at 4:31 pm

  Has Felner’s Illinois partner in crime, Tom Schroeder been arrested? Lost his director’s job with the Rock Island County Council on Addiction or resigned from his school board trusteeship as president of the Riverdale Community Unit School District? Has Schroeder lost his home, like Felner threatened he would?

  Is the University of Illinois conducting any financial audits or research audits of grants it benefitted from during Felner’s tenure? Is the University of Illinois taking any responsibility for passing the trash to Rhode Island or U of L?

  Have there been any arrests of any of Felner’s wives or honeys todate? Is the federal investigator still saying this case will be wrapped up in October? Isn’t Felner’s statement that he will pay back any “questionable” grant money an admission of guilt?

  I hope all who have been hurt by Felner’s evil ways are eventually reimbursed something to at least take part of the sting away, and to also make a statement about the state of ethics and academic freedom at our universities. Felner should never be allowed to supervise anyone, and as a mother of 3 children, I would hope he would never be allowed to work with young adults or children again.

• 67 University Diaries » UD Thanks … // Sep 1, 2008 at 5:18 pm

  [...] the kind readers at Page One, a news blog about Kentucky, for reading University Diaries on the Felner scandal, and for saying [...]

• 68 Novena // Sep 1, 2008 at 7:03 pm

  “Our Explodin’ World-Class Reputation”

  It’s weird how the Bobby affair brings us attention with a blare. It ruins our efforts at national reputation. We were really headin’ for international renown. Now, we cain’t find our ass from a hole in the ground. Bob, your were a swell Secretary of State. Maybe we can find an IHOP before it’s too late. God knows, Bob, you always liked strawberries and whipped cream anywhere. Our other character flaws were just too much to bear. It was all a fairy tale, to be sure (our International Office was certain to be no cure). Perhaps we should start with Louisvilians–and forget all the wasted time and millions (a broad).

• 69 blowin' in the wind // Sep 1, 2008 at 7:57 pm

  Not bad, Novena, not bad. Prose/poetry can be read with rhythm quite easily.
  I think reputation has to start at home and move out from that center. I also think it comes easier when we are not thinking about it but are deep in the real work of education.

• 70 Novena // Sep 1, 2008 at 8:27 pm

  “John Dewey, We Hardly Knew Ye”

  Blowin’ in the wind, you hit it just fine. “Deep in the real work of education” is right on the dime. But we forget that process and practice. Instead, we spin on the wheels of our PR axis. Dewey said education should begin at home. Yet we get caught up in flabby foam. We miss the substance for the glitzy gloss: Beer, circus, and Bobby grew dirty brown moss.

• 71 Novena // Sep 1, 2008 at 10:27 pm

  “Bobby and the Felons”

  Today I registered several felons (to vote, of course). The pleasantness was their demeanor:
  nice, not coarse. They compared positively to Bobby (parenthesis: right– an easy feat). He really comes out quite wobbly. Bobby’s coarse beyond repair; for human life, he doesn’t care. Wonder what’ll happen when he’s a felon, too? Of course, we have a clue: He’ll still be mean, rotten to the core. But after eight or so years in prison, his story’ll be a bore.

• 72 blowin' in the wind // Sep 2, 2008 at 6:13 am

  Just saw that the weblog out of University of British Columbia on the Academic Workplace, which has been carrying all the Felner stories has just joined Facebook. Will get link before day is over.

• 73 blowin' in the wind // Sep 2, 2008 at 6:17 am

  http://www.weblogs.elearning.ubc.ca/workplace and click on the Facebook link (just before latest section on Felner.

• 74 Novena // Sep 2, 2008 at 8:46 am

  “Fiddlin’ with a Major Campus & City”

  NY Times speaks of a big mortgage crisis in our city while JR, SW, et al., listen to Conway Twitty. The poor kids fan out all over the place. Sometimes they reek havoc with their mace. Schools are fixin’ to go to hell. Yet JR, SW, et al., can hardly tell. Come on, man, get off your can–the CEHD needs major overhaul. But you wait and fake–just preparin’ your fall.
  P.S. At least Bobby is contributin’ to the mortgage meltdown–in a huge wavy way.

• 75 jake // Sep 2, 2008 at 8:51 am

  For the final time, I totally recognize that writing poetry about the situation is quite a creative outlet. But please save poetry for the occasional comment or for your own purposes.

  Please only leave comments on the site that could be considered discussion/conversation.

  I appreciate the comments and site participation, but please be understanding when it comes to what we request. Most days it’s just me monitoring comments (and we receive thousands upon thousands across our multiple sites) and on the best days it’s just a few people monitoring comments. We can’t keep up.

• 76 Billie Whitted // Sep 2, 2008 at 9:10 am

  Jake,

  Thank you for all of your hard work. Do you know where I can see a copy of Robert Felner’s career vita?

• 77 jake // Sep 2, 2008 at 9:17 am

  BW: Looks like it’s been scrubbed from the University of Louisville’s website. Luckily, I archived a copy and it can be viewed by clicking here. (PDF Link)

• 78 Novena // Sep 2, 2008 at 9:38 am

  Jake,
  Sorry, Jake. I thought “prosetry” would do the trick, but I guess not. Most all of it has been on the issues and comments, but from now on I’ll hold them down. Don’t want to do any havoc to the great service you provide. Thanks for all you do for us, the campus, the city, and the state.

• 79 BW // Sep 2, 2008 at 3:25 pm

  Jake,

  Thanks for the Felner career vita. He looks good on paper. Too bad short cuts were taken with reference checks.

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