Faculty debates Armiñana leadership
Press-Democrat 5/9/07
Armiñana "has been here a long time, we have a chance to see what he has done and how he works, and I think there are a lot of problems with how he is running the place," said Rick Luttmann, a mathematics professor and longtime critic of the president.
Luttmann is one of 44 current and retired professors who signed a resolution to the Academic Senate, which will take it up Thursday.
Although a "no confidence" vote would have no legal standing, it would be publicly embarrassing for Armiñana, who has been president for 15 years.
"I don't like it, if I were to tell you it was a joyful occasion, I would be lying to you," Armiñana said.
Armiñana also said he has the support of the chancellor and CSU board of trustees.
"If anybody is hoping I will retire or resign," he said, "let me assure you completely that will not happen."
During Armiñana's tenure, SSU has grown to 8,100 students, built new student housing, increased the number of students living on campus, constructed buildings including the Schulz Information Center and become one of the first public universities to require students to have personal computers. Work is under way on the Green Music Center, which is expected to be a signature facility for the school.
Elaine McDonald, an associate professor of mathematics and the president of the Academic Senate, said she believes there will be enough support to call a referendum on Armiñana. What will be debated Thursday is the statement that would be attached to it.
"It will be helpful for the faculty as a whole," said McDonald, who hasn't signed the resolution calling for a vote. "Is it a small group or is the faculty really concerned about the educational mission? Has the president supported our mission? He has vision, but is it the right vision at the right time?"
If the Academic Senate approves the referendum, the vote would be held next week. Eligible voters include about 300 full-time and half-time faculty, said Steve Orlick, an environmental studies professor and supporter of the resolution.
Armiñana's relationship has become increasingly strained with some members of the faculty, but the question is how deep the feeling runs, McDonald said.
"This has been brewing for a number of years," McDonald said. "For once and for all, we can settle it. Is it just a few disgruntled faculty or is it a majority of faculty?"
Those faculty members who signed the resolution have complained that the $100 million Green Music Center has sapped university resources, that educational programs are not being supported and the faculty is not being consulted by Armiñana.
"We are finding we are totally ignored by the administration. The Senate is never consulted and when we do take a position, we are ignored," Luttmann said.
Armiñana said, however, that since he came to Sonoma State, the endowment has grown from $3 million to $30 million, the school has constructed $300 million in new buildings, and they are now listed as a "best buy" in the Princeton Review and other college guides.
"All of those things do challenge the status quo, challenge people who were satisfied with the way things were before," Armiñana said. "That is the price you pay for change."