Surprise, Patrick Respects Power of Executive

Governor Deval Patrick came out in support of UMass President Jack Wilson's reorganization plan yesterday. Well, at least he supported Wilson's authority to shake up the leadership of the university system. The state executive branch supporting the state's university system executive branch seems fitting.

The biggest complaint from the faculty at the UMass campuses has been voiced as Wilson's lack of transparency and consultation with the university faculty. Essentially it is a "you should have asked us first" type of situation. A humble request. Leadership changes and the reorganization plan that potentially changes the focus of each campus has a great effect on the faculty who engage students and execute the research. Wilson's stated goal with the plan is to make the system a more respected, prominent, and prestigious university. To do this he'll ultimately need the support of the faculty. With one vote of no confidence already handed down from the Amherst campus and another vote scheduled by the Boston campus faculty for Monday, Wilson needs to circle the wagons and put his game face on.

The executive branch of the Commonwealth isn't responsible for making laws (that's the legislative) or interpreting them (that's the judicial) but rather is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the state. Similar to Patrick's position at top executive of the state, Jack Wilson is the top executive at UMass. The powers are a little bit different as UMass doesn't quite have the same structure with the three branches, the duties do mimic each other in many ways. While Patrick didn't have to come out and say anything to support Wilson and his plan for the university system it does make sense that we're seeing an executive back and executive in the execution of their duties, including personnel decisions.

Image of both Deval Patrick and Jack Wilson's official executive portraits, side by side.