Faculty, students react to Keck’s performance

Students, faculty, and staff reacted differently to the news of Dr. Ray Keck’s performance evaluation as university president.Keck received a 51 percent approval rating, according to the Laredo Morning Times. He was scored on concern for student welfare, maintenance of faculty morale, appointing effective and qualified administrators, and other aspects by the university faculty.The university community had mixed sentiments towards Keck’s performance.”I feel he’s doing poorly,” stated a student, who asked to remain anonymous. “He’s increasing numbers, but not quality. They’re cutting faculty, and there are few classes.””He should take one day to be a student, attend class, and learn nothing at the university,” the student added.Some students, on the other hand, feel that Keck is doing an excellent job.”I applaud him for his efforts and work,” said Mayra Garcia, a sophomore history major. “I always see him involved in everything. He not only goes to big events that get the university money, but small events too.”However, some faculty members, who requested to remain anonymous, feel that Keck could be doing better. “He’s not a bad president, but he could do things to improve the university,” said one faculty member. “It is not all his fault.””There are outstanding programs and faculty, but the lack of focus harms our ability to maximize the university’s potential. You can’t bash the school because we’ve had success stories come out of the university.””It would help if he had a better vision for the future of the university. Do we want to be good, excellent, or the best university in south Texas? Do we want to be another Rice University?” stated another anonymous faculty member.Other members of the university have different views on Keck’s performance.”We’ve had nothing but wonderful support. He’s great,” stated Oscar Reyna, University registrar. “He’s very approachable when there are concerns. We’re pleased with Dr. Keck as our leader of the university.”This was the first time the performance evaluation was conducted by the faculty.”I think inevitably the first time you conduct a survey like this, faculty use it to not only evaluate but [also] communicate,” stated Dr. Sean Chadwell, Language and Literature Department chair. “It needs a few years to settle as an evaluation.”Chadwell stated that he supports the evaluation. “Students and faculty are assessed, and now administration as well. It’s an ongoing part of culture of assessment and improvement here at the university,” he said.