Letter to the Editor 12/9

To the Editor:

I understand that reading about raises for Pitt’s more highly compensated… To the Editor:

I understand that reading about raises for Pitt’s more highly compensated officials during these difficult economic times can cause an emotional response. But I believe your editorial, “Officials’ raises slight students,” is unfairly critical of this action by the Board of Trustees. I have been at the University of Pittsburgh for 18 years and was witness to “life before” our current administration. Those were days when the University suffered from financial difficulties, low numbers of applicants and dismal staff morale. The University that today’s students know is far different from the Pitt of 18 years ago. People are proud to work at Pitt; applications for our freshmen class are at an all-time high; our faculty are world leaders in their fields of study; and despite extreme economic challenges, we are on solid financial ground. The reason for these significant changes at our University is the outstanding leadership, provided largely by these officers, that has guided us for the past 16 years.

No one would argue with your point that students are an important part of the success of this University. But I believe you inaccurately trivialize the role of faculty, staff and administration in the University’s tremendous period of prominence. Our University has progressed as a result of having many outstanding students, world-renowned faculty, dedicated staff and visionary and courageous leadership. It has been a very deliberate and collaborative team effort. To diminish the importance of even just one part of this community is unfair.

Jim Earle, Ed.D.

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Business