Support for Bill Powers

Here is the text of an e-mail I sent to the University of Texas System Board of Regents and the Chancellor, supporting President William Powers. Rumors have been published that the Board has asked the Chancellor to fire President Powers for publicly expressing "disappointment" that the Regents rejected his proposal to increase University tuition, as well as for resisting Governor Perry's farcical "reform" agenda concerning faculty evaluation and related programs.

I am a 1986 Texas graduate, and a 1989 Texas Law School graduate. I strongly support my former law professor, President William Powers, and urge in the strongest possible terms that he continue his excellent work as President of the University. Bill is a scholar, leader, and a Longhorn in the truest sense. He has done a fantastic job of leading our University through difficult challenges, and the University has never been stronger in my lifetime. I am extremely proud of the job Bill has done.


Any question of his "disrespect" of the Board or its members is simply foolish. Bill's expressions of disappointment in certain decisions reflect his strong passion for the University's welfare, and in no way reflect disrespect or refusal to work with the Board in enhancing the University's reputation.

Having said that, our University needs independent administrators, not political yes men. Firing Bill would destroy years' worth of repair to the damage our University suffered in the 50s, 60s, and 70s when heavy-handed Governors and their Regent cronies used UT as their political playground. What qualified university president would lead Texas should the Regents fire Bill in a fit of pique? What well-heeled donor would continue throwing money at an institution led by cronyism and political patronage rather than the needs of scholarship and academic advancement?

Your role in shaping the University of Texas System's future represents a trust that the people of Texas, present and future, have conferred on you. You make decisions not just for today, but for next year, next decade, and the next 100 years. The University is one of Texas' most important institutions. It has a place among the world's leading academic institutions. The trust that Texas has bestowed on you demands that you make decisions not out of blind adherence to our Governor's or any elected official's political agenda, but on what is right for the University and for Texas.

I submit that at this point in time, Bill Powers is right for the University and right for Texas.

Thank you for considering my views.

Chris Reeder
University of Texas at Austin, BA '86, JD '89
[Address omitted]