Anyone else see this? Mahoney wants to expand the aviation program, but in Springfield, not Carbondale, because of “space issues” in Carbondale.
Anyone else see this? Mahoney wants to expand the aviation program, but in Springfield, not Carbondale, because of “space issues” in Carbondale.
I’d need to hear a really, really good explanation about why it makes sense to weaken one of Carbondale’s marquee programs when we’re fighting to stay competitive. WTF?
Anyone else see this? Mahoney wants to expand the aviation program, but in Springfield, not Carbondale, because of “space issues” in Carbondale.
I’d need to hear a really, really good explanation about why it makes sense to weaken one of Carbondale’s marquee programs when we’re fighting to stay competitive. WTF?
”Aviation is one of our most popular programs, but because of the space issues we have (in Carbondale) we really can't expand that program.”
Not terribly convincing, is it?
Anyone else see this? Mahoney wants to expand the aviation program, but in Springfield, not Carbondale, because of “space issues” in Carbondale.
I’d need to hear a really, really good explanation about why it makes sense to weaken one of Carbondale’s marquee programs when we’re fighting to stay competitive. WTF?
”Aviation is one of our most popular programs, but because of the space issues we have (in Carbondale) we really can't expand that program.”
Not terribly convincing, is it?
I had a cordial email exchange with President Mahoney about this over the past couple days.
As part of a lengthy email, he wrote: "The only reason the Springfield expansion will work is because they had underutilized space and they are spending their money to upgrade it for us. We have been approached by other communities, but this is the only time the space issue was addressed in a way the program can be financially viable. So, at the end of the day, it was not a choice between Carbondale and Springfield. It was a choice between Springfield or nothing. And, again, if a way to expand here (Carbondale) is found in the future, we can do both."
He also wrote about some other extended campus programs that have had some success recently, like the Saluki Step Ahead program with community colleges, and that's great, but I think we all care most about finding the programs and marketing opportunities that will get more students to Carbondale ... I know some progress is being made, but it's a deep hole to dig out of after the past 10-20 years of declines.
@siudawgs I appreciate you e-mailing him about this and sharing his response with us! I was considering doing the same thing.
I also appreciate that he took the time to respond thoughtfully. Classy of him to do that. I suppose it makes me feel a little better about this particular situation, although, yes, I have the same feelings you do about the importance of Southern taking advantage of the marquee programs in Carbondale and building upon them. This campus has so much potential.
The current leadership seems to be doing some good things, so I’m hopeful. I do think they’ve got things headed in the right direction.
I do not buy that horseshit at all! Tons of room at S. Ill. Airport. The money they're spending up there could be spent here just as easily. That will do nothing but weaken the Carbondale campus!
A state senator brought up expanding SIU into a Springfield campus several years back - terrible idea for us but a good idea for Mahoney, who wants to live in Springfield.
Betcha this won't be the last program to expand to Springfield!
The city of Springfield is contributing money to rehab a building and of course the Mayor loves the creation of SIU-Springfield.
SIU-Springfield we're talking or Central Illinois University or Edwardsville State University ... and taking students from Carbondale.
Go to the government and get money to expand aviation here if there's a shortage of pilots. When Mahoney decided to live in Springfield, I got some very bad vibes. Listen to your vibes.
I swear these people would love to drop Carbondale and merge pitiful UIS or Edwardsville State University - with aviation and with a law school and a stolen medical school! The Randy Dunn plan to screw Carbondale is happening in slow motion.
Seriously PISSED OFF! I'm sure the Edwardsville partisans on the Board of Trustees love this. Wonder if he's in secret talks with Edwardsville - would not surprise me.
Mahoney Baloney!
