Chancellor’s review of President Welty

CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed issued this open letter to the Fresno State Community on July 14, 2004:

During the spring 2004 term a six-year review of Dr. John Welty, President of California State University, Fresno ( Fresno State) was initiated.   The review took the form of collecting and summarizing letters from a selection of the campus community, both internal and external, and bringing a four-person team to the campus in the spring term 2004.   The review concluded on July 13, 2004, with discussion of the review by the Board of Trustees.   The Board of Trustees and I appreciate the contributions of those who worked with us on this review.

Criteria established by the Board of Trustees in 1984, and updated in 1994 and 2001, were used to assess the performance of President Welty and the progress of the institution.   These measures included the overall management of the institution, relations on campus and within the system, educational leadership, community relations, major achievements of the campus and the president, and personal characteristics of the president.   Faculty, staff, students, and community representatives were invited to submit written comments responding to the trustees’ criteria.

The visiting team consisted of Dr. Joseph N. Crowley, president-emeritus, University of Nevada – Reno and interim president of San José State University; Dr. Manuel A. Esteban, president-emeritus, California State University, Chico; Dr. Debra S. Farar, chair, Board of Trustees; and Dr. Roberto Haro, professor-emeritus, San Francisco State University.   Following advance preparation with resource material, the team spent one full day on May 4, 2004, interviewing a selection of the campus community in one-on-one interviews.

The team verified that John Welty does an outstanding job as the president of Fresno State.   He knows the job and executes every aspect with an A+.   He performs at a very high energy level.

Major Achievements of the Campus and the President:

• Establishing the Smittcamp Family Honors College and scholars program;
• Building the Save Mart Event Center with donor funds;
• Constructing the donor-funded Smittcamp Alumni House;
• Building the Downing Planetarium with donor funds;
• Equipping faculty members with laptop computers;
• Renovating classrooms;
• Providing leadership in the American Humanics program;
• Emphasizing community service learning;
• Improving the quality of life in the San Joaquin Valley;
• Planning the crime lab building in partnership with the state;
• Leading student alcohol abuse education efforts for the CSU system;
• Constructing the science II building; and
• Dr. Welty’s election as chair of the senior commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Dr. Welty is positioning the university to be the leader for the region’s future.   He encourages students to participate in student learning and community service, and he encourages faculty members to become involved in community-based projects.   Dr. Welty wants the university involved in quality of life issues in the Central Valley, whether it be air quality, education, health care, or job creation.   As an illustration of this commitment, recently the American Association of State Colleges and Universities awarded Fresno State $25,000 as one of four universities in the nation participating in a pilot project to improve economic and community living conditions.

Community leaders frequently seek out John Welty to help on their projects because they know of his ability to think strategically and his determination to get the job done.

At one time Fresno State was viewed by the region as “an ag school with a football team.”   Now, Fresno State is recognized for its excellence in numerous academic disciplines and its thought and leadership on key issues impacting the region from water policy to the arts.   For example, the Smittcamp Family Honors College is leading the academic reputation of Fresno State.   It admits 50 to 75 freshmen each year.   In addition to financial support, these students enroll in several specially designed honors classes and participate in a weekly colloquium with guest speakers and discussions.  

President Welty is accessible, especially by e-mail, and is considered a visionary.   Dr. Welty works continuously to advance Fresno State.   The “Comprehensive Campaign” is being launched

to support academic excellence.   Most faculty members are pleased that academics will be the focus of the next large fund raising effort.  

The university is reviewing its student success activities to improve student retention and graduation rates.

Dr. Welty circulates a weekly e-mail, “Reflections,” that provides the campus community a daily briefing of his activities.   This routine e-mail is much appreciated around campus.

Dr. Welty is highly regarded by faculty and administrators.   The current budget reductions are accepted at Fresno State due to the on-going open and inclusive planning process introduced by President Welty several years ago.   The overall number of students will be reduced but major disruptions will be averted.

In 2003 the university faced a major challenge regarding academic fraud within the basketball program.   The self sanctioning and subsequent investigation resulted in strengthening institutional controls.

President Welty and I discussed the following goals for the next several years:

1. Continue leading Fresno State with enthusiasm and pride.
2. Continue positioning Fresno State as a valuable resource and partner for the future of California’s Central Valley.
3. Continue working with the provost and the faculty to identify outstanding academic programs that have the potential to expand the academic reputation of Fresno State.
4. Bring the Capital Campaign to a successful conclusion.

In summary, Dr. John Welty is a remarkable leader and Fresno State is fortunate to have him.   The next periodic review of Dr. Welty would be conducted in 2006-07.

With kind regards,
Sincerely,
Charles B. Reed
Chancellor