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[June 20th, 2007] TALKING OUT OF SCHOOL

Your interviewer, Nicholas Deshais, certainly let former Portland State University President Dan Bernstine get off easy [Q&A, June 13, 2007]. For example, in response to a question about whether Bernstine was "more concerned with raising money and socializing," Deshais simply accepts Bernstine's claim that "the job of any president is now much more external than internal." Oh yeah, says who? It certainly must be nice for Bernstine to define his job that way, but what about those of us who had to suffer through a 10-year-long leadership vacuum while he was out playing golf and flying around the world?

And even when Deshais does follow up, by asking, "Where's the money going?" in response to Bernstine's touting of his famous fundraising, Deshais still settles for empty prattle as a response. In this case, what is truly sad is that neither the students at PSU (such as Deshais) nor the faculty and staff (such as myself) have any idea where that money went, because Bernstine never even tried to get that message across to us. His ability to raise so much money was indeed a major accomplishment, but his inability to communicate the value of that effort to the students, faculty and staff at PSU is undeniable evidence of Dan Bernstine's failure as a leader on his own campus.

As we start the search process for a new president, let's insist on getting someone who understands that genuine leadership means spending most of your time talking to and working with the people in your own organization.
David Morgan, Ph.D.
Professor, Portland State University

BIKE NAKED

Regarding "Critical Ass" [WW, June 13, 2007]: I was on my way back to my hotel room after retrieving my car from PSU when I was swarmed by MANY naked cyclists. I had no idea such an event existed so for several moments it was all I could do to continue to drive in a straight line. After the initial shock passed, I was pretty entertained by the cyclists swarming around my car. It looked pretty darn harmless and they all looked like they were having a good time. I noted a significant police presence, but it appeared they were just observing to be sure everyone stayed safe. Way to go, Portlanders!
"Michael"
Via wweek.com

CORRECTIONS: WW misidentified Rep. Patti Smith's hometown in last week's "The Good, The Bad, and The Awful." Smith's correct home is in Corbett. The story also ran an incorrect photo of state Sen. Ginny Burdick (D-Portland). Here is the correct photo. WW regrets both errors.