I think the point is that by omitting or minimizing the relevant qualifications of the chair of the search committee, Ryan created the false impression that he is not qualified or is under qualified for the task. A little homework (which a journalist is supposed to do) shows that he actually IS qualified. But she didn't report that.
A while back, I posted the makeup of AD search committees at a couple other Big Ten schools. They looked a lot like our search committee, which leads me to the conclusion that this is the typical and appropriate makeup of such a committee.
I also question the idea that making initial contact with a candidate through their University email could jeopardize their position. That doesn't make logical sense. It is unlikely that a University monitors who its employees get emails from, so unless the AD told his boss, it's unlikely anyone would be aware. Also, ADs talk to other schools all the time. It's part of the job. So an email from another university would not raise a flag. Not any more than an email from a search firm. Probably less of one.
And what if the university did find out some one was trying to hire him away?
"Sorry, Bob, you are so good at your job that Illinois wants to hire you. Can't have that. You're fired." More likely the response would be to try to work out a raise to keep him.
My point is that even if the committee contacted a sitting AD it probably isn't as serious an indiscretion as it was presented to be. Because logic.
Honestly, it sounds to me like there is some disgruntled person in the AD who apparently has a contact in the press and is pointing out every little thing he thinks is a mistake.
The problems are not the result of the search committee. Nor is the the result of hiring a search firm or the delay in doing so. (Once Cubit was extended, timing became less critical.) The problem was the timing of Thomas dismissal combined with the inability to immediately hire the candidate they apparently were led to believe was available and interested. It all comes back to that. Wilson made one serious mistake, and that was to listen to whoever told her they could get George.
:clappy:
