You should also recognize that the way this decision has been reached and communicated has damaged the administration s credibility with a significant portion of the college s constituency. It is obviously true that commitments were made to coaches and students that are being backed away from. The communication that was sent to the alumni body over signatures of Jennie, Al and Larry lists the members of the committee under the signatures, implying support by the members of the committee- a gross and unjustifiable misrepresentation. A refusal to reverse the decision at the meeting, if it is held, will change the college and its student body in significant ways. There is no evidence that the board has seriously thought through the long-term impact of its decision.
Great executives do make mistakes.