Faculty Senate members, once reluctant to accept Chancellor Sean O’Keefe, now have mixed feelings about the announcement of his resignation Wednesday.
Faculty Senate President Claire Advokat released a memo Dec. 15, 2004, listing O’Keefe’s strengths and weaknesses. Among other criticisms, the memo said O’Keefe lacked knowledge of the internal operations of a university.
The memo recommended administrators to interview other candidates before deciding to appoint O’Keefe.
Charles Delzell, a faculty senator and mathematics professor, said O’Keefe was appointed between Faculty Senate meetings. Administrators ignored reports about O’Keefe’s appointment, Delzell said.
“The Constitution of the LSU Faculty Senate declares that the Senate may make recommendations on the selection of the chancellor,” Delzell said.
He noted the Faculty Senate constitution states administrators are supposed to consult the Faculty Senate about the termination of the chancellor. Delzell said it was “a slap in the face” administrators did not consult the Faculty Senate.
O’Keefe, whose appointment was as shrouded in mystery as his resignation, was at the helm of the University in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
“People around the countryside all respect what he did after Katrina,” said Bill Daly, Faculty Senate’s former president and chemistry professor.
Richard Kurtz, a faculty senator and professor for the Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices, echoed the praise of Daly.
“I think that the chancellor has carried himself with distinction,” Kurtz said.
Kurtz said he thinks the Board of Supervisors has the right to “make a change” if they believe it is fitting.
Daly said he is disappointed O’Keefe is leaving.
“I always found him to be accessible, and he listens,” Daly said.
The Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope expressed concern that the next chancellor be properly suited for the position.
—-Contact Lindsey Meaux at [email protected]