One to hang on the fridge: Trustees give Cartwright A+

Rachel Abbey

President Carol Cartwright received her yearly evaluation at yesterday’s Board of Trustees’ meeting.

“An A+ is probably not a high enough rating,” said Sandra Harbrecht, board vice chair.

Harbrecht and Secretary George Jenkins led the evaluation process. All board members were invited to submit written questionnaires about Cartwright’s performance over the past academic year, Harbrecht said. The questionnaires were reviewed and patterns of comments were noted. They also met with the board and with Cartwright. The process took about three months.

Every other year, students and faculty evaluate the president with the board, Cartwright said. However, this year’s evaluation was held by the Board of Trustees only.

“I think any human being would be pleased to hear a glowing evaluation,” Cartwright said.

But she attributes her success to her staff.

In such a complex environment, everything must be a team effort, she said, and she is glad to know the board supports her and her staff. Harbrecht said the board’s comments reflected an appreciation of that strong sense of team effort.

Despite challenging budget circumstances, Harbrecht said Cartwright led Kent State through a successful year.

Cartwright said the administration will continue to focus on increasing enrollment, retention and recruitment, improving state funding and stressing the idea of one university with many locations.

Contact administration reporter Rachel Abbey at [email protected].