Selection for UND President

[iramurphy]

I see the selection committee does not include the CEO of the UND Alumni Assn. DeAnna Carlson Zink but includes Grant Shaft.  Shaft was suspended by the N. Dak. State Bar Assn. last year.  Google the summary of the disciplinary hearing. He also was primarily responsible for manipulating the selection process resulting in the selection of Shirvani as Chancellor of NDUS. Shirvani was not one of the original names to be considered.  Even a cursory google search revealed Shirvani's history of previous incompetence and turmoil with his previous employers.  Despite being advised by legal counsel that Shirvani was violating the open meeting laws, Shaft supported Shirvani and also redid Shirvani's contract in the midst of the controversy resulting in the $900,000 buyout rather than simply letting him go at the end of the year.  Carlson Zink represents the largest Alumni Assn. of all of the state institutions of higher education yet, was left off the committee  for a lawyer who admitted to wrongdoings at his hearing in front of the disciplinary committee of the state bar. This is why our state leaders, politicians and SBoHE lose credibility.  Anyone involved in choosing someone like Shirvani has no business being involved with this process.

[SiouxVolley]

Deanna Carlson Zink is a person with integrity.  That's why the SBOHE doesnt trust her.  Pretty simple.

Edited August 22, 2015 by SiouxVolley

[jdub27]

Is it correct that the new chancellor is the one who selected the committee? Also very light on local business people. 

[iramurphy]

Not sure if it was the new Chancellor (who I have some good things about) or the Chancellor and the board.  I doubt he would do this without input from the board, but I don't know for sure.  

[UNDBIZ]

Shaft supported Shirvani and also redid Shirvani's contract in the midst of the controversy resulting in the $900,000 buyout rather than simply letting him go at the end of the year.  

I don't disagree with most of what you wrote, but Shirvani was given a 3 year contract when he was hired. The contract wasn't redone to ensure a buyout after the sh*t began hitting the fan. 

[yababy8]

I see the selection committee does not include the CEO of the UND Alumni Assn. DeAnna Carlson Zink but includes Grant Shaft.  Shaft was suspended by the N. Dak. State Bar Assn. last year.  Google the summary of the disciplinary hearing. He also was primarily responsible for manipulating the selection process resulting in the selection of Shirvani as Chancellor of NDUS. Shirvani was not one of the original names to be considered.  Even a cursory google search revealed Shirvani's history of previous incompetence and turmoil with his previous employers.  Despite being advised by legal counsel that Shirvani was violating the open meeting laws, Shaft supported Shirvani and also redid Shirvani's contract in the midst of the controversy resulting in the $900,000 buyout rather than simply letting him go at the end of the year.  Carlson Zink represents the largest Alumni Assn. of all of the state institutions of higher education yet, was left off the committee  for a lawyer who admitted to wrongdoings at his hearing in front of the disciplinary committee of the state bar. This is why our state leaders, politicians and SBoHE lose credibility.  Anyone involved in choosing someone like Shirvani has no business being involved with this process.

Interesting that we were discussing the history of the name change on the other thread...

I recall Grant Shaft as being very anti name but I cannot remember the role he played.  There was  point when the SBoHE had the call on the name issue and didn't Shaft shaft us?

Does anyone recall that?

[SWSiouxMN]

Anybody

But

DiLorenzo

 

[siouxjoy]

Anybody

But

DiLorenzo

 

I really believe the position will be filled externally, so it's a non-issue, but I totally agree with you.

[Old Fella]

Was wondering how long it would take to expose Shaft/They appoint the same guy who was the prime supporter of Shirvani/would not be surprised if he suggested he  or Chapman to be the next President.

I see the selection committee does not include the CEO of the UND Alumni Assn. DeAnna Carlson Zink but includes Grant Shaft.  Shaft was suspended by the N. Dak. State Bar Assn. last year.  Google the summary of the disciplinary hearing. He also was primarily responsible for manipulating the selection process resulting in the selection of Shirvani as Chancellor of NDUS. Shirvani was not one of the original names to be considered.  Even a cursory google search revealed Shirvani's history of previous incompetence and turmoil with his previous employers.  Despite being advised by legal counsel that Shirvani was violating the open meeting laws, Shaft supported Shirvani and also redid Shirvani's contract in the midst of the controversy resulting in the $900,000 buyout rather than simply letting him go at the end of the year.  Carlson Zink represents the largest Alumni Assn. of all of the state institutions of higher education yet, was left off the committee  for a lawyer who admitted to wrongdoings at his hearing in front of the disciplinary committee of the state bar. This is why our state leaders, politicians and SBoHE lose credibility.  Anyone involved in choosing someone like Shirvani has no business being involved with this process.

[iramurphy]

That is not accurate.  Shirvani claimed he had a three year contract when he was hired, and the attorney for the SBoHE pointed out to him that in fact he did not have a 3 year contract. He showed him the contract at which time Shirvani lost his temper and took the issue to Grant Shaft. The contract was then redone for 3 years. Shirvani also lost his temper when the same attorney kept pointing out he was violating the open meeting law when he was trying to conduct board business privately.  To appease Shirvani, Shaft and Espegard arranged for a severance buyout of the boards attorney of 19 years. I had breakfast with the former attorney this morning.  It cost the taxpayers of the State of North Dakota an extra $900,000.  The Shirvani fiasco was such an example of lack of leadership, stupidity and dishonesty that you can't make that stuff up.