Horse sense from a horse doctor

Abstract

Why is a Veterinarian from Mississippi addressing an audience of individuals associated with University Computer Centers? I believe it is because I represent a unique perspective towards higher education. This perspective has come about because of several unique aspects of the Veterinary Program at Mississippi State University. First our organizational structure is different than that of most other colleges or universities. For example, we don't have committees; we don't even use the word committee; we use advisory board. What would be the curriculum committee at other institutions is called the Academic Board in our institution. The Academic Board serves as an advisory group to the Academic Program Director. Now, it is possible, within our administrative structure, for a director of a program to ignore the overwhelming advice of his advisory board and make decisions that are contrary to, perhaps, the unanimous vote of the advisory board. You don't stay a director too long if you do that, but it is possible. Things are not, for the most part, done by committee vote.