Faculty expected Rao’s move to VCU

University President Michael Rao announced his resignation Friday evening in order to assume the presidency at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Rao leaves CMU at the end of the academic year. Central Michigan Life spoke to members of the CMU faculty and staff to hear their thoughts on Rao’s move.

Nancy White, Faculty Association president, finance and law associate professor:

“I was not surprised at all. I’m surprised it hasn’t happened sooner,” she said of Rao’s resignation.

White does not believe there will be much short-term impact upon his leaving, but the long-term impact will come from the new president.

“We have four months’ notice, which is quicker than most other businesses,” she said.

White said Rao’s notable accomplishments were expanding the Vision program and recruiting a new provost last year.

Gary Shapiro, former interim provost and current dean of the College of Humanities and Social and Behavior Services:

“I was sad to see him leave, but I’m glad for him that he has this new opportunity,” he said.

Shapiro worked closely with Rao when he served as interim provost in 2007 and said it was a good experience.

“He was very open to hearing my points of view, and very forthright about explaining his position.”

Shapiro said it is normal that Rao kept his talks with VCU quiet.

“That’s very typical. No one wants to publicize that they’re up for a position,” he said.

Shapiro said he would like the next president to be open for communication and consider the various interest groups on campus, including faculty, students, alumni and citizens of Michigan.

Dean of Students Bruce Roscoe:

“I’m sorry to see him go. I think he’s done a very good job as president here at Central,” Roscoe said.

“I very much enjoyed my interactions with President Rao and his family,” he said. “He’s always been highly supportive of me and other people at CMU. He’s always treated us with great respect. I’ve appreciated his candor. It was very easy to work with him and for him.”

Roscoe said some of Rao’s achievements were strengthening the emphasis on the quality of the experience in the classroom and on the importance of research and undergraduate participation in research activities.

Roscoe believes people will miss the president on both a personal and professional level.

“He’s a very personable individual who’s gotten to know many, many faculty staff and students,” he said. “He was here longer than we expected him to be here. I think we were very fortunate. I think that reflects very well on him and very well on the attractiveness of CMU.

“I think its a very good time for him professionally and his family,” he said.

CMU’s new president needs to recognize the importance of the undergraduate education at CMU, Roscoe said.

“The experiences we provide to undergraduate students are just as critical to the long term vitality of the institution,” he said.

Bill Dailey, assistant professor of speech communication and dramatic arts and Isabella County Commissioner:

“I think everybody knew it was going to happen pretty soon, as we approach him being here for 10 years,” he said.

Dailey said Rao’s impact at CMU has been positive, and that Rao has been a hard worker who put plans into action.

“I think generally change is difficult for an institution,” he said. “It could be up to two years of semi-leaderless function. We have a lot momentum as a university, and I kind of hate to see that falter.”

Dailey said the move might be sudden in appearance, but it has been going on for months.

“I assume this is hardly the first offer from universities he has had.”

Dailey would like the next CMU president to have a strong voice in the state level, which Rao has worked to do.

“I certainly want a president who stays in touch with the day-to-day activities at the institution,” he said. “It’s very good for a president to know faculty and be aware of faculty issues.”

John Kulhavi, former Board of Trustees chairman, CMU alumnus:

“I feel very mixed emotions on his sake … I’m happy for President Rao if this is an opportunity, if this is an advancement in his career,” Kulhavi said. “On the opposite side, I think it’s a loss for Central. As a CMU alum and very big CMU supporter, I feel bad for the university.”

Kulhavi said he expects opportunities to continue to grow for Rao and continue to present him with new challenges.

Ray Francis, Academic Senate chairman, associate professor of teacher education and professional development:

“My first reaction was surprise, but I think it’s a really good opportunity for him,” Francis said. “He will be missed.”

Francis said Rao provided good leadership during his tenure, but is leaving before he achieved his most notable project.

“I think he’s leaving before his greatest accomplishment – the medical school,” he said.

Francis said working with Rao has been very positive.

“I have great deal of respect for him, he’s a good guy, a family man and good administrator,” he said.

university@cm-life.com