Dr. Edward Hundert, President, Case

One of the region's key leaders, Dr. Edward Hundert, the President of Case Western Reserve University, is under the gun. Last week, the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences sent a vote of "no confidence" in his administration, due to severe fundraising shortfalls, a growing budget deficit and issues with his leadership. While it is not binding, it brings into question his ability to lead the institution forward and regain financial footing. Dr. Hundert's administration kicked off in 2002 with a promising conference on "Great Universities and Their Cities," featuring the Mayor and a lively discussion about the impact a university like Case could have on Cleveland. But his tenure has been challenging. From the college's name change to "Case," which alienated Western Reserve College alums, to his often contentious interaction with faculty and the University Circle community, Dr. Hundert's personal style has drawn criticism. Cool Cleveland's Thomas Mulready spoke F2F with Dr. Hundert on 01.26.06 about a wide range of issues facing the university and the city at large. In today's issue, we present chunks 1, 2 & 3 of the interview, with additional chunks to follow.

#1: On the "Great Universities" conference (PC) (Mac)
#2: On neighborhood development (PC) (Mac)
#3: On Case's greatest opportunity (PC) (Mac)

As one of the key drivers of our regional economy, Case Western Reserve University's efforts are critical to the health of Northeast Ohio. From research that it spins off to start-up companies, to the potential brain gain the region can enjoy when it's students and faculty reside here, to economic development provided by construction of new campus and neighborhood communities, Case's success in many ways determines the future of our region. With the recent vote of no-confidence by some of the faculty on March 2, and the difficulties of the University to meet fundraising goals, the leadership of Dr. Edward Hundert, Case's President, is in question. Cool Cleveland's Thomas Mulready sat down with Dr. Hundert on 01.26.06 just before the recent vote and addressed some of the issues in play. This second installment includes a discussion of the controversial SAGES program, efforts to rebuild the weathered reputation of the Weatherhead School, and the potential of the groundbreaking OneCleveland project. All six interview chunks are available here. Send your thoughts to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com
#4: On the SAGES program (PC) (Mac)
#5: On the Weatherhead School of Management (PC) (Mac)
#6: On the OneCleveland program (PC) (Mac) (:divend:)