From the moment he announced his departure for Franklin & Marshall, it was clear that replacing John Fry was not going to be easy. Fry's seven-year tenure as executive vice president was an overwhelming success, and his successor would be inheriting a position with large shoes to fill.
After a six-month search, University President Judith Rodin tapped relative unknown Major General Clifford Stanley as Penn's new chief business official. Stanley clearly had the leadership experience necessary to succeed in the position, and he had previously been a candidate for a position on the Philadelphia School Reform Commission.
But at the time, there were questions raised about Stanley's business background, or lack thereof. His only higher education experience had come during his 30-year tenure with the Marine Corps, and his selection marked a major transition for a position once filled by a man who was tapped from the field of consulting.
Now, less than one year after taking the job, Stanley is leaving the University, resigning yesterday for personal reasons. And in a stunning move, Penn officials have decided to abolish the EVP position altogether and ask the senior business officers to report directly to the president.
Stanley's resignation is disappointing, especially in light of the success of his predecessor. And while no one is to blame for his decision, it will likely make some wonder whether he was the right fit for the job in the first place. It also means more instability at the very top of the Penn administration as Rodin's departure nears.
This makes it all the more surprising that the University has decided to eliminate the position that was successfully occupied prior to Stanley's arrival. While we have no doubt that the senior business officials will help maintain stability, Fry's successful tenure is a sign that the position of executive vice president can still hold a valuable place at Penn.
Rodin has grown comfortable in balancing Penn's academic and business needs. But the elimination of the EVP position puts a new wrinkle in the search for her successor. A president with no prior business experience would be out of place attempting to oversee the financial and developmental sides of this school, especially with many construction projects unfinished and the purchase of the postal lands not far off.
The University has two options at this point: select a new president with strictly academic experience who will bring back the EVP position, or select a new president with enough business savvy to juggle academics and business at Penn.
Judith Rodin has proven to be quite adept at this balancing act. But if her successor cannot juggle the two tasks, Penn officials must resurrect the position of executive vice president.
