The news keep coming out of the University of Miami on Monday, and this time, it’s the news that President Donna Shalala will retire at the end of this academic year.
President Shalala has been at the University of Miami since 2001, and in my opinion, has really helped the school in a lot of ways. Whether it’s been academically, financially, or athletically, the University of Miami has grown more because of her. And if you don’t agree with me, then you try to raise three billion dollars for a school.
More Shalala: Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, more than 50 honorary degrees, oversaw nearly $3 billion in UMiami fundraising.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) September 8, 2014
A lot of people have complained about her because the football team has never really won while she’s been around, but the truth is that president Shalala helped the football team, and the entire University better than anybody else in mind. And if you don’t agree with me, then you try to raise three billion dollars for a school.
Have we forgotten how she told the NCAA when they filed Miami for “lack of institutional control”? Well, if you did, here’s a little reminder.
"“The University takes full responsibility for the conduct of its employees and student-athletes. Where the evidence of NCAA violations has been substantiated, we have self-imposed appropriate sanctions, including unilaterally eliminating once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for our students and coaches over the past two years, and disciplining and withholding players from competition."
"“We believe strongly in the principles and values of fairness and due process. However, we have been wronged in this investigation. … In September 2010—two and a half years ago—the University of Miami advised the NCAA of allegations made by a convicted felon against former players and, at that time, we pledged our full cooperation with any investigation into the matter. One year later, in August 2011, when the NCAA’s investigation into alleged rules violations was made public, I pledged we would ‘vigorously pursue the truth, wherever that path may lead’ and insisted upon ‘complete, honest, and transparent cooperation with the NCAA from our staff and students.’"
"“The lengthy and already flawed investigation has demonstrated a disappointing pattern of unprofessional and unethical behavior. By the NCAA leadership’s own admission, the University of Miami has suffered from inappropriate practices by NCAA staff. There have also been damaging leaks to the media of unproven charges. Regardless of where blame lies internally with the NCAA, even one individual, one act, one instance of malfeasance both taints the entire process and breaches the public’s trust."
"“There must be a strong sense of urgency to bring this to closure. Our dedicated staff and coaches, our outstanding student-athletes, and our supporters deserve nothing less.”"
I remember covering a Canes hoops game that day and the excitement was pretty awesome around the school. Everybody felt like they were going to be okay because their president believed everything was going to be okay. As a Miami fan, or student, or anything else, you should thank her for that.
I personally haven’t been around the school long enough to know everything President Shalala has done or not done, and I know that some people disagree with her, or might even be happy that she’s stepping down, but I do know that she will be missed once she steps down as president of the University of Miami because every employee, athlete, coach, etc. that was around her, only had positive things to say.
To the right is the statement released by the school and Donna Shalala.