University of Arizona President Ann Weaver Hart’s decision to take a paid position on the board of the for-profit DeVry University has prompted criticism from students, faculty, lawmakers, alumni and community members.
We join their ranks.
Weaver should resign her position with DeVry, which is being sued by the Federal Trade Commission over allegations it misled students about their career and earning prospects.
The Arizona Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s university system and hired Hart, should act to prevent university presidents from committing such a conflict of interest again.
Hart points out, and the regents agree, that she has done nothing against the rules. This speaks to a flaw in the rules, not the judiciousness of her decision.
The fact that a university president does not have to secure permission from the regents before taking a paid position at another university is a loophole the regents needs to close. The board should weigh in before a president accepts outside compensation or work.
Many universities require their leaders to seek approval before taking on non-university work. This is common sense, and the regents should enact such a requirement.
Hart has said her DeVry position can help non-traditional students who might not be able to attend the UA. It’s a fine goal, and one we agree with — but the appropriate way to do that is to work with Pima Community College to strengthen the path between PCC and the UA.
Hart says she will do her DeVry board work on her own time and will receive $70,000 annually and $100,000 in stock. She has said she wants to be an “advocate and influence for quality” in her new role. We do not doubt Hart’s sincerity, but she misses the point. DeVry isn’t just any organization that wants her guidance: It’s another university.
Hart’s decision is already hurting the UA, whose budget the Arizona Legislature has slashed by millions in recent years.
The university’s strongest advocates at the Capitol have been Democrats from Pima County. While in the minority, it’s important that their support remain solid as the universities lobby legislators to restore a small piece of the cuts.
Instead, she has lost their confidence. State Rep. Macario Saldate wrote in a Star guest opinion that Hart should resign from DeVry — or the UA. Twenty-one fellow lawmakers have signed a similar letter.
Alienating state legislators, students, faculty, donors and the community is not wise.
It’s time for Hart to choose a single allegiance: DeVry, or the University of Arizona.
