Dear Friend of Principia, January 29, 2007
At 6:00 AM today I sat down to write a letter to the Principia Trustees detailing my concerns about Principia and the distrust and discontent that pervade the campuses. I thought I would send it off quickly and then tackle my “list” for today. Eleven hours later I find myself even more embroiled and further committed to aiding an immediate resolution of this crisis that threatens the very existence of Principia.
I am writing you because I know of your love for Principia. Prin needs your prayers and activism to dig itself out of the present imbroglio. I will not be too long winded because what it important is for you to immediately make your individual voice known.
I have been increasingly concerned over the last 3 years because of things I have seen and heard about Stuart Jenkins’ hegemony as CEO/Chairman of The Principia. It is not just a disagreement about priorities [the whole man being sacrificed for the athletic man, for example] but rather a trail of deception and outright lies to cover up un-Christian actions and personal vendettas.
Lest you think I am hallucinating, two trustees have quit in protest and are very active in trying to help bring about a “regime change”. The Faculty Senate and Faculty from both campuses have been meeting to consider a censure motion. Did you know the CEO received a 47% pay increase last year [to $250,000] at the same time as millions of dollars were being trimmed from budgets, academic programs were being eliminated and the size of the student body was near an all time low?
The best source for historical and updated information is www.truthatprincipia.org. I urge you to read what is available at that website to draw your own conclusions. I suggest starting with the article “Faculty response to current challenges” dated Sunday January 28, 2007. Focus on the letter read aloud by a faculty member at last Thursday’s Faculty Senate Meeting. It summarizes the problem and suggests a metaphysical focus, as well as practical steps that must be taken.
Although there are several members of the Board of Trustees who recognize and acknowledge the fundamental problems with Stuart’s leadership, they are so brow beaten by him and concerned about the egregious actions that they have condoned [slander, misrepresentation, and intimidation] that they are unwilling or unable to stand up to him.
I would be happy to talk to anyone by phone or e-mail who wants to discuss this situation. I have talked at length to Dr. Traci Bliss. She was the only non-Principia grad amongst the trustees. She resigned on December 31st to protest the repeated unethical behavior that the Board has been permitting under threat from the CEO. In addition I know Gary Krisel, who also resigned as a trustee. I have other contacts who are still at Prin, as well as some who have left, who’ve shared their experiences.
Do these name sounds familiar?
George and Martha Moffett* President of the College and his wife
Bob and Sandi Clark* Headmaster of the
Hal Hoerner* Long time
Dory Smith Head of Athletics on the
Gary Krisel Former trustee
Dr Traci Bliss Former trustee
Jack Hubbell CSB Former trustee
Elaine Follis* Head of Faculty, Religion professor
Mike Kensler Boy’s dorm
They are history…or about to be! And their silence is being forced by agreements* they were obligated to sign when they were terminated. Not surprisingly, they continue to be leaders in their community and the Movement. Not surprisingly, Principia has been left with huge voids that are hard to fill…especially with the atmosphere of fear that permeates two campuses where no one knows whose head will be next to roll.
Now is the seminal moment to stand up and do our part to save Prin. We, as alumni and friends of Principia, are the only ones who can effect the needed regime change.
Here are some suggestions:
(1) Read Truth at Principia [www.truthatPrincipia.org] and send copies of any e-mails
(2) Send an e-mail to the trustees:
"Bill Hays"
"Charles 'Tuck' Spaulding, Jr."
"Chris Towle"
"Durant Hunter"
"Helen Ostenberg Elswit"
"Katharine Bullock"
"Maggi Foerster CSB"
"Michael Sharples"
"Willard Hanzlik" <willard@principia.edu>
(3) Send an e-mail to officers in the Development Office”
Mal Neale N CA, NW. Rocky Mtn States,
Larry Harrison AZ, S CA,
Steve Abbott SouthWest, South scott.abbott@principia.edu
Mary Shays NE, mid CA, mid-atl. mary.shays@principia.edu
(4) Send an e-mail of support to Dr Traci Bliss [blistrac@isu.edu] & Gary Krisel [smcduk@aol.com] the trustees who have resigned.
(5) Send an e-mail to John Williams, President of the Faculty Senate johnwwilliams@principia.edu they need to know they have support.
(6) E-mail or call your friends and get them involved.
(7) +Speak about the importance of trust and honesty at Prin.
+Support the removal of Stuart Jenkins and those Trustees who don’t respond to the justified calls from faculty, staff and alumni for his removal.
+Give a vote of confidence to the administrators and trustees who have stood up to be counted.
+Demand that the Moffetts be retained.
+Be clear that you plan to speak with your mouth, with your pen and your pocketbook [no more contributions]
Let’s not regret missing this opportunity to get Principia back on the right track. Think of the dedicated faculty and staff who live in fear of becoming the next victim. Think of the students who are trying to excel in this stressful environment. Think of future generations of Christian Science students who might not have a Prin education as an option. Think of your friends who were teachers and administrators who have already lost their jobs. Think of this attack by animal magnetism on an organization we hold dear. Recognize this is the same lie that has permeated public and private institutions over the past decade.
With gratitude,
503.799.4534
paulschmidt@principia.edu
1 comment:
When are you going to take this crap off the internet? Good grief. Considering Jenkins is gone, the Moffets are gone and now thankfully Dr. Palmer is actually implementing most of what Jenkins had tried to do. Just ask your friend John Williams and other faculty members who are now thinking "what the heck did we do?". You helped bring a good man down - real Christian of you.
Jenkins was the scape goat for the Trustees. Some day a real history will be written and you will see that your hateful letters of misinformation only serve to show what kind of a man you really are.
Now be a man and take it down!
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