By Robb Murray
MANKATO — In another move to cut costs, Minnesota State University President Richard Davenport will eliminate the dean of Extended Learning position.
It is the second time in recent weeks Davenport has announced the elimination of a major position. He notified faculty and staff Monday.
The news means the status of Patricia Lipetzky, dean of the College of Extended Learning, is unknown. She’ll maintain the position until this summer, but it is unknown whether she’ll remain with MSU.
In his e-mail to the university, Davenport said, “I hope you will join me in extending your appreciation to Dr. Lipetzky and in wishing her the best in her future endeavors.” But on Tuesday, Davenport said Lipetzky has neither resigned, nor has the decision been made to let her go.
Lipetzky could not be reached for comment.
“These are things we have to do in hard times to help our institution become more efficient, more effective and maintain the quality we have in education and instruction,” Davenport said Tuesday.
Bob Hoffman, vice president for Strategic Business, Education and Regional Partnerships, will absorb the College of Extended Learning in his department.
Davenport touted Hoffman’s long list of upper-level management experience and the fact Hoffman is an expert at establishing connections with business.
“What he brings to the table are his connections,” Davenport said.
Hoffman will start working more closely with Provost and Academic Affairs Vice President Scott Olson, getting up to speed on what resources MSU has to promote the delivery of education off campus, Davenport said.
“This reorganization will again result in administrative cost savings and will also align our learning outreach efforts in one division,” Davenport’s e-mail announcement said. “Vice President Hoffman’s talents and experiences in both business and education will help us move forward in the important areas of online learning, continuing education, 7700 France and PSEO/Concurrent enrollment.”
Hoffman joined MSU in 2007. Prior to that he served as the chairman of the board of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. He’s held various executive leadership positions with the Taylor Corp. and with the Brown Printing Co. in Waseca. He also served as superintendent of the Waseca school district. He holds a doctor of education degree from Utah State University.
As with the recent student affairs announcement, Davenport said he’ll be meeting with students and others in the university community to get input on which direction the College of Extended Learning should go.
Ryan Anderson, president of MSU’s Student Senate, said he’s confident the administration will listen sincerely. He’s observed the administration’s handling of the student affairs situation and believes this one will be handled well.
“One thing I have seen is that student opinions will be heard in this,” Anderson said. “I have good faith that when the Student Senate suggests things to (the president’s) cabinet, they’re going to listen.”
Lipetzky’s departure from the dean’s position may not be the only shakeup.
When asked if any other employees would lose their jobs, Davenport said: “I can’t say right now. The important thing is that this is an alignment, if you will. We’re trying to align learning outreach efforts ... I suspect there will be some additional cost savings.”
One of the major achievements in distance learning while Lipetzky was dean is the 7700 France campus in Edina. Davenport said the campus is doing well, on track with enrollment projections and they’re filling up classrooms faster than anticipated.
Lipetzky was selected for the post in 2004 after an extensive national search. She had been dean of Continuing Education at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich. She’d also worked at several other MnSCU campuses, including St. Cloud State University.
