“Michael Wade Smith appointed Penn State senior vice president and chief of staff”

[BobPSU92]

See the link below. From the article:

”UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has appointed Michael Wade Smith to the newly created position of senior vice president and chief of staff, effective March 5. Smith comes to Penn State from the University of Louisville, where he served as vice president for external affairs and chief of staff under Penn State President-elect Neeli Bendapudi.

Smith will report directly to Bendapudi and serve as a member of her executive leadership team.

“Michael is a trusted adviser and has been a key member of my leadership teams at the University of Louisville and at the University of Kansas, and I am thrilled that he has agreed to join me at Penn State,” said Bendapudi. “He brings tremendous energy, creativity, and interpersonal and organizational skills to the table, and I think the Penn State community will enjoy getting to know him. My gratitude to President Barron for approving this important position and Michael’s appointment, as Michael will be instrumental in the presidential transition process and play a prominent role in my administration.””

https://www.psu.edu/news/story/michael-wade-smith-appointed-penn-state-senior-vice-president-and-chief-staff/

CHIEF. OF. STAFF.

EXECUTIVE. LEADERSHIP. TEAM.

MY. ADMINISTRATION.

Is PSU a university, government, or corporation now?

Neeli may add to the BLOAT. early, often, and in large sums.

 

[Zenophile]

He's got this.

 

[canuckhal]

He's got this.

If he doesn't, he will create another position that will.

 

[martypsu]

See the link below. From the article:

”UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has appointed Michael Wade Smith to the newly created position of senior vice president and chief of staff, effective March 5. Smith comes to Penn State from the University of Louisville, where he served as vice president for external affairs and chief of staff under Penn State President-elect Neeli Bendapudi.

Smith will report directly to Bendapudi and serve as a member of her executive leadership team.

“Michael is a trusted adviser and has been a key member of my leadership teams at the University of Louisville and at the University of Kansas, and I am thrilled that he has agreed to join me at Penn State,” said Bendapudi. “He brings tremendous energy, creativity, and interpersonal and organizational skills to the table, and I think the Penn State community will enjoy getting to know him. My gratitude to President Barron for approving this important position and Michael’s appointment, as Michael will be instrumental in the presidential transition process and play a prominent role in my administration.””

https://www.psu.edu/news/story/michael-wade-smith-appointed-penn-state-senior-vice-president-and-chief-staff/

CHIEF. OF. STAFF.

EXECUTIVE. LEADERSHIP. TEAM.

MY. ADMINISTRATION.

Is PSU a university, government, or corporation now?

Neeli may add to the BLOAT. early, often, and in large sums.

Why do we need this? Tuition rising, other expenses rising--why do we need to create a new VP positions? Why does the new President need more support staff than previous? She is becoming very expensive before she starts.

 

[PSU73]

Why do we need this? Tuition rising, other expenses rising--why do we need to create a new VP positions? Why does the new President need more support staff than previous? She is becoming very expensive before she starts.

I suspect she drinks coffee (or custom made lattes)....early and often.

All seriousness aside, sounds like we should have hired Michael as President as she admits she can't do the job without him--> "Michael will be instrumental in the presidential transition process and play a prominent role in my administration.”

 

[BobPSU92]

Why do we need this? Tuition rising, other expenses rising--why do we need to create a new VP positions? Why does the new President need more support staff than previous? She is becoming very expensive before she starts.

This guy has been Neeli’s right-hand man for a while. I‘m sure the motivation for bringing him to PSU is simply the comfort of having a familiar face around to ease the transition and also someone to dump some of the work onto.

 

[PSUFTG]

See the link below. From the article:

”UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has appointed Michael Wade Smith to the newly created position of senior vice president and chief of staff, effective March 5. Smith comes to Penn State from the University of Louisville, where he served as vice president for external affairs and chief of staff under Penn State President-elect Neeli Bendapudi.

Smith will report directly to Bendapudi and serve as a member of her executive leadership team.

“Michael is a trusted adviser and has been a key member of my leadership teams at the University of Louisville and at the University of Kansas, and I am thrilled that he has agreed to join me at Penn State,” said Bendapudi. “He brings tremendous energy, creativity, and interpersonal and organizational skills to the table, and I think the Penn State community will enjoy getting to know him. My gratitude to President Barron for approving this important position and Michael’s appointment, as Michael will be instrumental in the presidential transition process and play a prominent role in my administration.””

https://www.psu.edu/news/story/michael-wade-smith-appointed-penn-state-senior-vice-president-and-chief-staff/

CHIEF. OF. STAFF.

EXECUTIVE. LEADERSHIP. TEAM.

MY. ADMINISTRATION.

Is PSU a university, government, or corporation now?

Neeli may add to the BLOAT. early, often, and in large sums.

You joke, but the truth is that this was part of the "strategy".

Bendapudi's resume is very weak in a lot of areas - that was well known and accepted, by the Penn State Board, during the hiring process. Part of the deal when the Board of Trustees hired her was an agreement that they would create a, for lack of a better word, Cabinet of Executives who had - hopefully - higher competence in the specific areas involved in running a major university. The plan, for better or worse, was to have Bendapudi as the face, but bring in - to these new positions - competent administrators. How will that work? Who knows.

 

[BobPSU92]

You joke, but the truth is that this was part of the "strategy".

Bendapudi's resume is very weak in a lot of areas - that was well known and accepted, by the Penn State Board, during the hiring process. Part of the deal when the Board of Trustees hired her was an agreement that they would create a, for lack of a better word, Cabinet of Executives who had - hopefully - higher competence in the specific areas involved in running a major university. The plan, for better or worse, was to have Bendapudi as the face, but bring in - to these new positions - competent administrators. How will that work? Who knows.

Neeli obviously checks a couple of boxes that don’t require a resume. PSU made it clear that checking those boxes was critical from the get-go.

 

[Evan Ceg]

Why wouldn't you bring in someone with whom you've worked closely for years and trust as your #2? Especially if you plan to be a change agent (we'll see) who expects to meet resistance and bureaucratic inertia.

I swear some of you folks search for a reason to b*tch because this is the only place anyone pays any attention to you.

 

[GrimReaper]

Why do we need this? Tuition rising, other expenses rising--why do we need to create a new VP positions? Why does the new President need more support staff than previous? She is becoming very expensive before she starts.

I'll give Dr. Bendapudi the benefit of doubt. If we shortly see an announcement of Enemahead Guadagnino's retirement, or Dr. Bendapudi fires him, then it's a net wash with possible upside.

 

[Nitt1300]

too soon to form informed opinions, and there is no need for uninformed ones- we have plenty already

 

[PSUFTG]

Why wouldn't you bring in someone with whom you've worked closely for years and trust as your #2? Especially if you plan to be a change agent (we'll see) who expects to meet resistance and bureaucratic inertia.

I swear some of you folks search for a reason to b*tch because this is the only place anyone pays any attention to you.

Is he replacing Nicholas Jones? Jones is the current "#2" (no pun intended)
Spoiler, he is not.

By the way - what is a "change agent"? I thought N Bendapudi was hired to be the Penn State University President - at least that is what her contract states.

 

[GrimReaper]

Is he replacing Nicholas Jones? Jones is the current "#2" (no pun intended)
Spoiler, he is not.

By the way - what is a "change agent"? I thought N Bendapudi was hired to be the Penn State University President - at least that is what her contract states.

Jones is the chief academic officer. Looks like this is Guadagnino's job, albeit with a more senior title (and maybe higher comp to go with it). If this is a replacement, I don't have much of a problem. If adds another layer, then I'm concerned.

 

[BobPSU92]

 

[PSUFTG]

Jones is the chief academic officer. Looks like this is Guadagnino's job, albeit with a more senior title (and maybe higher comp to go with it). If this is a replacement, I don't have much of a problem. If adds another layer, then I'm concerned.

It is not a replacement. And this is not the only new position being created.
For better or worse, they are going to form a "mini-cabinet" of "helpers" for Bendapudi. That was part of the deal when they hired her.

 

[Colt2169]

It is not a replacement. And this is not the only new position being created.
For better or worse, they are going to form a "mini-cabinet" of "helpers" for Bendapudi. That was part of the deal when they hired her.

“Worse”

Oh I thought it was multiple choice

 

[GrimReaper]

It is not a replacement. And this is not the only new position being created.
For better or worse, they are going to form a "mini-cabinet" of "helpers" for Bendapudi. That was part of the deal when they hired her.

I was afraid that might be the case. Hang on to your wallets, folks.

 

[IANit]

See the link below. From the article:

”UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has appointed Michael Wade Smith to the newly created position of senior vice president and chief of staff, effective March 5. Smith comes to Penn State from the University of Louisville, where he served as vice president for external affairs and chief of staff under Penn State President-elect Neeli Bendapudi.

Smith will report directly to Bendapudi and serve as a member of her executive leadership team.

“Michael is a trusted adviser and has been a key member of my leadership teams at the University of Louisville and at the University of Kansas, and I am thrilled that he has agreed to join me at Penn State,” said Bendapudi. “He brings tremendous energy, creativity, and interpersonal and organizational skills to the table, and I think the Penn State community will enjoy getting to know him. My gratitude to President Barron for approving this important position and Michael’s appointment, as Michael will be instrumental in the presidential transition process and play a prominent role in my administration.””

https://www.psu.edu/news/story/michael-wade-smith-appointed-penn-state-senior-vice-president-and-chief-staff/

CHIEF. OF. STAFF.

EXECUTIVE. LEADERSHIP. TEAM.

MY. ADMINISTRATION.

Is PSU a university, government, or corporation now?

Neeli may add to the BLOAT. early, often, and in large sums.

Perfect choice for PSU, then.

 

[IANit]

I suspect she drinks coffee (or custom made lattes)....early and often.

All seriousness aside, sounds like we should have hired Michael as President as she admits she can't do the job without him--> "Michael will be instrumental in the presidential transition process and play a prominent role in my administration.”

This does seem to be a problem. I would expect the president to be able to do the things she has him doing. But she probably has more pressing matters to deal with, like being more inclusive and making sure everyone is comfortable.

 

[UncleRoyBiggins]

Can he tackle? Can he block on the offensive line?

 

[razpsu]

See the link below. From the article:

”UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has appointed Michael Wade Smith to the newly created position of senior vice president and chief of staff, effective March 5. Smith comes to Penn State from the University of Louisville, where he served as vice president for external affairs and chief of staff under Penn State President-elect Neeli Bendapudi.

Smith will report directly to Bendapudi and serve as a member of her executive leadership team.

“Michael is a trusted adviser and has been a key member of my leadership teams at the University of Louisville and at the University of Kansas, and I am thrilled that he has agreed to join me at Penn State,” said Bendapudi. “He brings tremendous energy, creativity, and interpersonal and organizational skills to the table, and I think the Penn State community will enjoy getting to know him. My gratitude to President Barron for approving this important position and Michael’s appointment, as Michael will be instrumental in the presidential transition process and play a prominent role in my administration.””

https://www.psu.edu/news/story/michael-wade-smith-appointed-penn-state-senior-vice-president-and-chief-staff/

CHIEF. OF. STAFF.

EXECUTIVE. LEADERSHIP. TEAM.

MY. ADMINISTRATION.

Is PSU a university, government, or corporation now?

Neeli may add to the BLOAT. early, often, and in large sums.

A new position. Waste of money. So many people in positions at universities just like government. How many positions at Penn state can we get rid of? 100’s? What would that save students or help with facilities.

 

[BobPSU92]

Can he tackle? Can he block on the offensive line?

Neither fit the philosophy at PSU. They aren’t EXPLOSIVE. PLAYS. .

 

[BobPSU92]

A new position. Waste of money. So many people in positions at universities just like government. How many positions at Penn state can we get rid of? 100’s? What would that save students or help with facilities.

Neeli laughs at saving students money.

 

[razpsu]

Why wouldn't you bring in someone with whom you've worked closely for years and trust as your #2? Especially if you plan to be a change agent (we'll see) who expects to meet resistance and bureaucratic inertia.

I swear some of you folks search for a reason to b*tch because this is the only place anyone pays any attention to you.

They used to call that the good ole
Boys club.

 

[Keyser Soze 16802]

This sort of appt is actually pretty common among presidents who actually want to accomplish things

Probably why Barron doesn't have one

 

[Midnighter]

Transparent hiring process? This reeks of cronyism.

 

[J.E.B]

Check out how Louisville has done under her watch.... we may be entering a scary period in PSU history and wish the Robber Baron was back.

 

[Nitwit]

It’s pretty common for any company worth its salt for the CEO to have a chief of staff. The bitching on this board only shows your extreme naïveté on these matters. Where do you folks work, McDonalds? He’s also a young black male and holds an MBA from Kansas and a PHD from Penn, so I suspect that’s part of the rebranding strategy that’s taking place to attract more diverse student body. This should be obvious to anyone who’s ever gotten closer to a board room except for emptying out the trash cans. It’s 2022 folks.

 

[GrimReaper]

This sort of appt is actually pretty common among presidents who actually want to accomplish things

Probably why Barron doesn't have one

It’s pretty common for any company worth its salt for the CEO to have a chief of staff. The bitching on this board only shows your extreme naïveté on these matters. Where do you folks work, McDonalds? He’s also a young black male and holds an MBA from Kansas and a PHD from Penn, so I suspect that’s part of the rebranding strategy that’s taking place to attract more diverse student body.

So what does this suppository do?

Chief Enemahead

 

[BW Lion]

It’s pretty common for any company worth its salt for the CEO to have a chief of staff. The bitching on this board only shows your extreme naïveté on these matters. Where do you folks work, McDonalds? He’s also a young black male and holds an MBA from Kansas and a PHD from Penn, so I suspect that’s part of the rebranding strategy that’s taking place to attract more diverse student body.

You are an insufferable twit.

As a near-death individual, I entrust that you will be leaving the entirety, or at least a significant majority, of your estate to PSU.

If not, why not?

 

[step.eng69]

See the link below. From the article:

”UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has appointed Michael Wade Smith to the newly created position of senior vice president and chief of staff, effective March 5. Smith comes to Penn State from the University of Louisville, where he served as vice president for external affairs and chief of staff under Penn State President-elect Neeli Bendapudi.

Smith will report directly to Bendapudi and serve as a member of her executive leadership team.

“Michael is a trusted adviser and has been a key member of my leadership teams at the University of Louisville and at the University of Kansas, and I am thrilled that he has agreed to join me at Penn State,” said Bendapudi. “He brings tremendous energy, creativity, and interpersonal and organizational skills to the table, and I think the Penn State community will enjoy getting to know him. My gratitude to President Barron for approving this important position and Michael’s appointment, as Michael will be instrumental in the presidential transition process and play a prominent role in my administration.””

https://www.psu.edu/news/story/michael-wade-smith-appointed-penn-state-senior-vice-president-and-chief-staff/

CHIEF. OF. STAFF.

EXECUTIVE. LEADERSHIP. TEAM.

MY. ADMINISTRATION.

Is PSU a university, government, or corporation now?

Neeli may add to the BLOAT. early, often, and in large sums.

Not trying to be "cute", but our entire stewardship of our great university reminds me of the post civil war "Carpetbaggers ".....
Shame on us and shame on the BOT & administration.

 

[step.eng69]

So what does this suppository do?

Chief Enemahead

Have to understand that Nitwit is sort of "elite status" in his community.

 

[fairgambit]

Have to understand that Nitwit is sort of "elite status" in his community.

step. That was very funny.

 

[Nitwit]

I’ll just add that the whole Kansas connection extends farther back to about 2 years ago when Dean Lang, a black male, was recruited from Kansas to become Dean of Liberal Arts at PSU. He later was instrumental in recruiting a package of 10 black faculty in various fields , and he served on the presidential search committee. I’m not sure how much influence he has had but this whole diversity transition has been ongoing for awhile now. By the way Dean Lang is a well respected leader and has excellent judgment and since he arrived just about the time Covid hit you can imagine it’s been very challenging times. At any rate criticize me all you want but I know wtf I’m talking about on these matters. This whole Kansas transition has been predictable for those who follow the details closely. It’s too bad we couldn’t bring their basketball team too. But we have Lang, Bendapudi, and now Smith all with roots from Kansas, and all minorities. We’re the Kansas of the East! And the BOT is serious about increasing diversity among its faculty and students, as well it should given that Penn State has had very low proportions of minority students, particularly black students, for a major flagship university in a diverse state.

 

[PSUFTG]

At any rate criticize me all you want but I know wtf I’m talking about on these matters.

And yet, with every comment, you make it harder and harder to believe that.

 

[Nitwit]

If you didn’t know this was happening Barry, maybe you weren’t talking to the right people, or perhaps they were avoiding taking to you.

 

[BobPSU92]

I’ll just add that the whole Kansas connection extends farther back to about 2 years ago when Dean Lang, a black male, was recruited from Kansas to become Dean of Liberal Arts at PSU. He later was instrumental in recruiting a package of 10 black faculty in various fields , and he served on the presidential search committee. I’m not sure how much influence he has had but this whole diversity transition has been ongoing for awhile now. By the way Dean Lang is a well respected leader and has excellent judgment and since he arrived just about the time Covid hit you can imagine it’s been very challenging times. At any rate criticize me all you want but I know wtf I’m talking about on these matters. This whole Kansas transition has been predictable for those who follow the details closely. It’s too bad we couldn’t bring their basketball team too. But we have Lang, Bendapudi, and now Smith all with roots from Kansas, and all minorities. We’re the Kansas of the East! And the BOT is serious about increasing diversity among its faculty and students, as well it should given that Penn State has had very low proportions of minority students, particularly black students, for a major flagship university in a diverse state.

What does being “the Kansas of the East” mean and why should anyone care or be impressed?

 

[Nitwit]

I’m just pointing out they furnished a pipeline of minority leaders who have now taken over at PSU. For good or bad ? We will see. I suspect a lot will depend upon how well they can appeal to the the legislative community , and rebuild the university’s image to appeal to minority students of all races, backgrounds, and home locations whether foreign or instate. Changes are surely coming.

 

[BobPSU92]

In other news:

https://www.psu.edu/news/story/tabitha-r-oman-named-chief-ethics-and-compliance-officer-penn-state/

”UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Tabitha R. Oman, vice president, deputy general counsel and chief compliance officer at Axalta Coating Systems, has been named chief ethics and compliance officer at Penn State. Oman will begin her new role at the University on March 7.

She will succeed Kenya Mann Faulkner, who left the University in March 2021. During the national search for Faulkner’s successor, Vice President for Administration Frank Guadagnino has served in the role in an acting capacity.

Oman, an attorney who specializes in compliance, ethics, anti-corruption, risk, sustainability and governance, has served in a variety of roles over her 27-year career spanning corporate and criminal law, government and foreign affairs. In addition to her current role at Axalta Coating Systems, a global company traded on the New York Stock Exchange, she also has worked at the U.S. Department of State, U.S. House of Representatives, and the law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tabitha to Penn State as our chief ethics and compliance officer. Her expertise and track record as a leader in these critical areas are exceptional,” said Penn State President Eric J. Barron. “Tabitha has consistently proven herself as a strategic and collaborative leader and her vision will help the University continue to advance its commitment to ethics and compliance and to empowering students, faculty and staff to uphold Penn State’s values.””

Penn State has values? Who knew?

 

[91Joe95]

I’m just pointing out they furnished a pipeline of minority leaders who have now taken over at PSU. For good or bad ? We will see. I suspect a lot will depend upon how well they can appeal to the the legislative community , and rebuild the university’s image to appeal to minority students of all races, backgrounds, and home locations whether foreign or instate. Changes are surely coming.

You know what attracts more minority students? Lower education costs.

By the way, it amazes me how it has become acceptable to lead with a person's skin color, or any physical trait, as the main criteria. Talk about the very definition of racism, it demeans and devalues their skill set and accomplishments, and implies they may not have those to begin with. End rant.