Thursday morning, UAB’s Faculty Senate passed a resolution expressing no confidence in university president Ray Watts. It’s the latest fallout from his decision to end UAB’s football, bowling, and rifle programs and comes after the Graduate Student Government and the Undergraduate Student Government Association passed similar resolutions. Many people both on and off the campus have said Watt’s decision was not transparent and excluded key constituencies. Watts has said he would not resign even if the resolutions passed.
WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley was at the Faculty Senate meeting where the vote took place and offers a recap to WBHM’s Andrew Yeager.
What does a “no confidence vote” mean? And what doesn’t it mean? Rachel Osier Lindley explains to WBHM’s Michael Krall.
UPDATE: Statement from UAB President Ray Watts.
“I’m obviously disappointed, but what this vote means to me is that I have more work to do to find common ground so we can move forward, and I am up to this challenge. I truly want to thank our students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters who have made their voices heard in a constructive way.
“We have a great university. We have thousands of talented people who are making world-changing breakthroughs right here in Birmingham at UAB.
“My focus moving forward is to work with our community to carry out our mission. As President I am totally committed to the future of UAB and the many great things we are doing here.”
Statement from University of Alabama System Board of Trustees President Pro Tem Karen Brooks:
“We are very fortunate to have a leader of Ray Watts’ caliber and personal integrity as president of UAB. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want express to Dr. Watts our full support and our appreciation for his hard work and continued leadership. These last several weeks have been an enormously difficult time for everyone who loves UAB — regardless of anyone’s individual opinion about some of the hard decisions Dr. Watts has made. There is no doubt that UAB is deeply loved by the students, faculty, staff, alumni and the Birmingham community. That passion has captured the attention of our state and the nation. In all the headlines and on the chat boards, I believe two very important facts have been overlooked.
“Number one, President Watts is leading the university during a time of historic challenge for higher education throughout the United States. He is working tirelessly to set and reset priorities and invest wisely in academic programs, classrooms, dorms, and laboratories that a 21st century university must have to be competitive.
“Second, the Board of Trustees is extremely proud of UAB’s tremendous accomplishments and fully supports the university’s role and mission. The $100 million in new student facilities under construction on campus today is among dozens of major projects that have been reviewed and approved by the Board as a result of the university’s recommendations, along with new academic programs, faculty chairs, scholarships and capital improvements. UAB’s best days are in front of us.”
Statement from University of Alabama System Chancellor Robert Witt:
“President Ray Watts’ track record of success in every leadership position he has held at UAB and elsewhere speaks for itself. In less than two years as president, he has led the university in enhancing the academic quality of UAB’s undergraduate programs, achieving record enrollment, reversing the declining national research rankings, and ensuring the continued excellence of the medical school and the UAB Health System.
“Those accomplishments are a direct result of the strategic planning process Dr. Watts has developed with the involvement of faculty, staff, students and alumni. As a former faculty member and a longtime dean, I respect the process of shared governance that is reflected in today’s vote by the 35 members of the UAB Faculty Senate as well as the students and UAB alumni. All of these groups have made their voices and opinions heard.
“I have great personal and professional respect for Ray Watts and the leadership he is providing. I look forward to working with him as he continues to chart UAB’s future course”