Penn's New Interim President Emphasizes a 'Painful' Period and Pushes for a New Chapter
Jameson, Penn's former dean, was appointed as the interim president in place of Magill, who stepped down over the weekend due to controversial remarks.
"The past few weeks have been a deeply painful chapter for our institution, higher education, and the world," Jameson said in Tuesday's news. "I know that the latest leadership change has brought pain and instability. I've felt it too. Our communities are filled with pain, fear, and uncertainty."
Jameson stressed, "Everyone at Penn should feel secure knowing that hate has no place here."
The interim president of the University of Pennsylvania called on the community to work together and turn the recent unrest around.
"We all – faculty, students, staff, alumni, mentors, and many friends of this university – can contribute something to this new chapter in Penn's nearly 300-year history," Jameson said.
Two of Penn's leadership figures – the chairman of the board Scott Bork and Magill – resigned just a few days ago, following Magill's controversial statement about antisemitism before Congress. Magill remains as a tenured professor at Penn's Carey Law School.
Criticism of Penn's response to antisemitism had escalated even before the tragic incident on October 10 during the Hamas event. After the Palestine Writing Festival at Penn in September, which honored speakers who made antisemitic remarks, donors expressed strong disapproval of the administration.
Magill and the Penn administration have been working to combat and stop hate speech on campus, as there has been an increase in antisemitic incidents.
Penn's business community can play a significant role in supporting the university during this transition, ensuring stability and growth while demonstrating values of respect and inclusivity.
The following measures can be taken to assist Penn in its leadership change:
- Recognize and Reward Innovation: Encourage an entrepreneurial spirit by providing recognition, additional professional development, and career advancement opportunities for those who successfully implement innovative ideas.
- Build Strong External Relationships: Engage with corporate partners, donors, alumni, community leaders, and government officials to secure funding, resources, and strategic partnerships necessary for growth and stability.
- Financial Acumen and Sustainability: Provide financial support or expertise to help the university manage its budget and diverse revenue streams.
- Leadership Development Programs: Offer leadership training programs that focus on strategic vision, change management, team-building, and external relationship management.
- Cultural Alignment: Encourage a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture that values academic integrity, collaboration, and innovation, and fosters a sense of community and respect.
- Strategic Vision and Change Management: Share best practices and resources to help the new leadership team navigate complex stakeholder relationships and implement strategic visions.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Highlight the importance of resilience and adaptability in higher education leadership by sharing case studies and best practices from other institutions.
By taking these steps, the business community can show its support for Penn during its leadership transition, promoting stability and growth while upholding values of respect and inclusivity.
