Statement by Rev. Dr. M. William Howard Jr.Chair, Board of GovernorsRutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Revised by MWH 10.25.07

STATEMENT BY REV. DR. M. WILLIAM HOWARD JR.

Chair, Board of Governors

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

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As a public member of the Rutgers Board of Governors, I think it is perfectly appropriate and potentially constructive for the State of New Jersey to take a hard look at Rutgers operations and to offer suggestions for improving its business practices. However, it is irresponsible that a state agency would issue a report of this type without allowing the University an opportunity to review relevant parts of the draft report for the purpose of correcting factual errors and rebutting conclusions based upon those errors, before it was released to the public.

At a minimum, the SCIs faulty process undermines the accuracy and credibility of their report, and at worst, it calls into question the intent of its authors. For example, the report makes recommendations about the activities and involvement of the Board of Governors even though the State Commission of Investigation never interviewed any current member of the board. The report is framed in a way that is more likely to gain sensational headlines than to provide the fair review of the operations of New Jersey colleges and universities that the public deserves.

In the three years that I have served on the board, it has made difficult decisions involving myriad issues, and we have done so in full public view with independence and accountability. The fact that the boards composition and procedures are pointedly shielded from partisan politics has made a critical difference and has served Rutgers and New Jersey well for many years. The framers of the Act of 1956 exhibited great foresight, and because of this, Rutgers has been able to blossom into one of the finest public universities in America.

I am proud of Rutgers. And before anyone tampers with the well-balanced governance structure crafted in the 1956 law and carried on for over 50 years, we must tread wisely and lightly to preserve the public trust. We have seen how the interest of politics can collide with and subvert governance in higher education. One would hope we have seen enough.

Contact: Greg Trevor

732-932-7084, Ext. 612

E-mail: gtrevor@ur.rutgers.edu