William G. Tierney in The Sacramento Bee: University of Scandal, Corruption?

Pullias co-director William G. Tierney was quoted about the reasons behind the recently uncovered college admissions cheating scandal in an Associated Press article titled “University of Scandal, Corruption? USC at core of bribe plot,” published in a number of major newspapers:

William G. Tierney, a professor of higher education, said the current crisis is tied to [former USC president] Nikias’ “stage-managed” hiring of football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann, an alumnus, as athletic director. He said Swann has been asleep at the wheel.

Tierney said disruption from recent scandals will lead some faculty to retire early or go to more stable institutions.

“The vast majority of us are not interested in drama and intrigue,” Tierney said. “The last 18 months has been a constant barrage of horrific news that occurred because of a Board of Trustees acting as a rubber stamp, an ineffective Faculty Senate, and a president who charged ahead without listening to anyone else. The outcome is a constant environment of chaos.”

Read the full article in The Sacramento Bee.  Tierney is an expert on higher education policy analysis, governance, and administration; his research interests pertain to faculty productivity, decision making, organizational re-engineering, and issues of equity.