Chancellor Hank Huckaby of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents has confirmed that he asked the board to consider appointing Attorney General Sam Olens as the next president of Kennesaw State University.
In an email to all KSU faculty and staff, Huckaby explained that he has remained silent on the rumors and speculation until now.
“Initially, I was planning to conduct a national search to find the next president of Kennesaw State,” Huckaby said. “Yet, through sincere and earnest conversations with Mr. Olens, I now believe he should be considered at this time.”
Huckaby said that the Board of Regents plans to interview Olens Tuesday in regards to the appointment.
Many students have already voiced their opposition to an Olens presidency. Hundreds gathered for a protest on The Green Monday afternoon, and a petition demanding that Olens not be appointed as president has earned more than 5,000 signatures.
See Huckaby’s full letter below:
Dear Kennesaw State University Community:
In higher education and our own University System, we place extreme importance on openness and the responsibility we all share in serving each other. So, it is important you know I have asked the Board of Regents to consider Attorney General Sam Olens for the role of president of Kennesaw State University.
There has been speculation about this for some time, and up until now, I have remained silent on the matter. Initially, I was planning to conduct a national search to find the next president of Kennesaw State. Yet, through sincere and earnest conversations with Mr. Olens, I now believe he should be considered at this time.
The Board of Regents’ Executive and Compensation Committee is planning to interview Mr. Olens tomorrow at our University System office. While the interview itself will be conducted in executive session, I want you to know that Mr. Olens is being seriously considered for the role of president.
Kennesaw State University has gone through more change over the past two years than most institutions experience over decades. You successfully navigated through a complex consolidation to create a world-class institution of higher education. This summer, you have thoughtfully endured significant changes in the leadership of your institution. Through all of this, you have remained steadfast in your commitment to Kennesaw State and to each other as an institution of higher learning and a true community.
On behalf of the Board of Regents, I humbly thank you and respectfully ask that you continue with your work, your studies and your responsibilities. I could not have imagined that this much change would happen at KSU during my time as chancellor. However, I have always known Kennesaw State is a wonderful institution that offers students and the people of Georgia an incredible opportunity for all the good that comes with higher education.
Sincerely,
Hank Huckaby
The larger issue here is not that Mr. Olens espouses anti LBGTQ views, but rather the process of hiring a university president has been usurped by one political appointee. The email from the Chancellor’s office opens with “In higher education and our own University System, we place extreme importance on openness and the responsibility we all share in serving each other.” but goes on to say “the interview itself will be conducted in executive session”. This action is hardly being open nor responsible, given that it is in an executive session – closed to the public.
All traditional university presidential hires, afford the faculty, staff and students an opportunity to hear from candidates and learn what their vision is for the university if they become leader. Unfortunately, in this case, we may be subject to having a vision crammed down our collective throats by an appointee, who does not have the majority support of those present at the university.
If Mr. Olens wants the job and he thinks he is qualified to do it, then let’s hold a national search and encourage him to apply.