Back when Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson was inaugurated as the president of RPI there was a specific quote on the inside of the program from the president of Notre Dame University that went something along the lines of “The essence of a true leader is to have a vision.” It’s an excellent quote, but it fails to recognize that the vision should be feasible. The current administration has a somewhat far-fetched set of ideas and sometimes displays a vindictive bite to anyone who fails to follow with a “wagging tail.”
When I first sent my comments two years ago about what needed to be changed in The Rensselaer Plan, I thought, “Wow, these guys are really concerned in hearing our input!” Now, in my senior year, I see more bureaucratic nonsense and our president has managed to anger both the faculty and student body. She might love her job and the prestige associated with being RPI’s president, but let me ask the RPI community a simple question.
Do you know that Dr. Jackson has taken on a ninth board member position, for KeyCorp, in addition to being president of RPI? Do you know that means from a professional point of view RPI is one of 10 responsibilities of her work duties? She spends possibly one-tenth of her energy worrying about RPI’s interest, from a statistical point of view. Our president is untouchable by critics because she could possibly play the spin zone of the critic being either a “racist” or “chauvinist.” Not saying that she would, but it is feasible and to her advantage.
People, do you realize that she should answer to us? The Board of Trustees should also answer to us because we are their customers, not the other way around. We give them the privilege and honor of educating us and bestowing their knowledge upon us. The problem is that we do not know, because they cleverly pulled a cloak over our eyes and placed their hands into our wallets and purses. This school takes a reactive approach when handling situations, never a proactive approach. It seems to me and many of my colleagues that when an issue arises they 1) try to hide it and 2) brush it aside as if it has no importance.
No one is denying the great prestige our school has gained since having Dr. Jackson instated as our Institute’s president. Dr. Jackson is a very intelligent and influential woman in modern day society. Also, she is a very powerful leader, but that is only possible because of the people beneath her. My concern is her lack of communication and willingness to compromise and truly understand that there are certain things RPI is and always will be. My hope is that when people read this letter, they will be able to understand and possibly motivate themselves to take charge. There’s a famous philosophical saying, “The whole body is as strong as its parts only.” In this case, RPI consists of more than just the President, Trustees, and Jackson’s administration. The faculty and student bodies have just as much power and influence if used correctly.
When commencement takes place May 18, it is not to honor Dr. Jackson, but the students who have made the sacrifices to earn the respect and a degree from RPI. No one can ever take that honor and dignity away from you—walk with your heads up high and remember the show is for you and not the President.
Nagesh Rao
MTLE/PHIL ’02
