Random stuff 2025

[nanacat]

I am surprised only 2 finalists. Any idea total # of applicants.

And if at the community forum they both get a thumbs down will they go back to drawing board, or is it these guys only?

[wbtfg]

I am surprised only 2 finalists. Any idea total # of applicants.

And if at the community forum they both get a thumbs down will they go back to drawing board, or is it these guys only?

Clay Christian will declare a failed search and then just give the job to himself. And then when he’s in that position, he’ll give himself a $200,000/year raise. Thats how it worked when he became the commissioner of higher education.

1st commissioner not to have a doctorate (he only has a bachelors)
1st commissioner to never work in higher ed (he owned a title company)
Previous commissioner was making $180k/year. He increased salary to $300+k/year.

Anyone know what clay has accomplished the past 10+years? Me either.

[RickRund]

I am surprised only 2 finalists. Any idea total # of applicants.

And if at the community forum they both get a thumbs down will they go back to drawing board, or is it these guys only?

Clay Christian will declare a failed search and then just give the job to himself. And then when he’s in that position, he’ll give himself a $200,000/year raise. Thats how it worked when he became the commissioner of higher education.

1st commissioner not to have a doctorate (he only has a bachelors)
1st commissioner to never work in higher ed (he owned a title company)
Previous commissioner was making $180k/year. He increased salary to $300+k/year.

Anyone know what clay has accomplished the past 10+years? Me either.

Sounds as if he built HIMSELF up.

[nanacat]

I am surprised only 2 finalists. Any idea total # of applicants.

And if at the community forum they both get a thumbs down will they go back to drawing board, or is it these guys only?

Clay Christian will declare a failed search and then just give the job to himself. And then when he’s in that position, he’ll give himself a $200,000/year raise. Thats how it worked when he became the commissioner of higher education.

1st commissioner not to have a doctorate (he only has a bachelors)
1st commissioner to never work in higher ed (he owned a title company)
Previous commissioner was making $180k/year. He increased salary to $300+k/year.

Anyone know what clay has accomplished the past 10+years? Me either.

Well that's just depressing

[tetoncat]

I am surprised only 2 finalists. Any idea total # of applicants.

And if at the community forum they both get a thumbs down will they go back to drawing board, or is it these guys only?

Clay Christian will declare a failed search and then just give the job to himself. And then when he’s in that position, he’ll give himself a $200,000/year raise. Thats how it worked when he became the commissioner of higher education.

1st commissioner not to have a doctorate (he only has a bachelors)
1st commissioner to never work in higher ed (he owned a title company)
Previous commissioner was making $180k/year. He increased salary to $300+k/year.

Anyone know what clay has accomplished the past 10+years? Me either.

Is it an appointed position

[wbtfg]

I am surprised only 2 finalists. Any idea total # of applicants.

And if at the community forum they both get a thumbs down will they go back to drawing board, or is it these guys only?

Clay Christian will declare a failed search and then just give the job to himself. And then when he’s in that position, he’ll give himself a $200,000/year raise. Thats how it worked when he became the commissioner of higher education.

1st commissioner not to have a doctorate (he only has a bachelors)
1st commissioner to never work in higher ed (he owned a title company)
Previous commissioner was making $180k/year. He increased salary to $300+k/year.

Anyone know what clay has accomplished the past 10+years? Me either.

Is it an appointed position

Nope

[tetoncat]

I am surprised only 2 finalists. Any idea total # of applicants.

And if at the community forum they both get a thumbs down will they go back to drawing board, or is it these guys only?

Clay Christian will declare a failed search and then just give the job to himself. And then when he’s in that position, he’ll give himself a $200,000/year raise. Thats how it worked when he became the commissioner of higher education.

1st commissioner not to have a doctorate (he only has a bachelors)
1st commissioner to never work in higher ed (he owned a title company)
Previous commissioner was making $180k/year. He increased salary to $300+k/year.

Anyone know what clay has accomplished the past 10+years? Me either.

Is it an appointed position

Nope

So hired and have it until fired or retire? Hired by Governor?

[Camo_Cat]

I am surprised only 2 finalists. Any idea total # of applicants.

And if at the community forum they both get a thumbs down will they go back to drawing board, or is it these guys only?

Clay Christian will declare a failed search and then just give the job to himself. And then when he’s in that position, he’ll give himself a $200,000/year raise. Thats how it worked when he became the commissioner of higher education.

1st commissioner not to have a doctorate (he only has a bachelors)
1st commissioner to never work in higher ed (he owned a title company)
Previous commissioner was making $180k/year. He increased salary to $300+k/year.

Anyone know what clay has accomplished the past 10+years? Me either.

This is exactly spot on! The only reason Tessman is a finalist is because he is someone that Christian can control. He couldn't control Waded, and that drove him nuts. She did what she wanted and what was best for MSU. And she was successful at it. Clay wants someone in this position that will kiss the ring. Just look at Bodner and UM. Also, that title company that Clay owned before becoming higher ed commissioner? They were a sponsor/donor of UM athletics. Maybe that's neither here nor there, but sounds a little like a conflict of interest to me. I could go on...

[nanacat]

I am surprised only 2 finalists. Any idea total # of applicants.

And if at the community forum they both get a thumbs down will they go back to drawing board, or is it these guys only?

Clay Christian will declare a failed search and then just give the job to himself. And then when he’s in that position, he’ll give himself a $200,000/year raise. Thats how it worked when he became the commissioner of higher education.

1st commissioner not to have a doctorate (he only has a bachelors)
1st commissioner to never work in higher ed (he owned a title company)
Previous commissioner was making $180k/year. He increased salary to $300+k/year.

Anyone know what clay has accomplished the past 10+years? Me either.

This is exactly spot on! The only reason Tessman is a finalist is because he is someone that Christian can control. He couldn't control Waded, and that drove him nuts. She did what she wanted and what was best for MSU. And she was successful at it. Clay wants someone in this position that will kiss the ring. Just look at Bodner and UM. Also, that title company that Clay owned before becoming higher ed commissioner? They were a sponsor/donor of UM athletics. Maybe that's neither here nor there, but sounds a little like a conflict of interest to me. I could go on...

With this additional info being shared the whole thing sounds fishy and political. MSU reached historic heights under Cruzado and who in their right mind would want to see that end, or go backwards? Maybe someone who favors UM? I know I sound like a conspiracy theorist but something seems off.

[RICO CAT]

Sounds like we are in trouble if Tessman is selected for all the aforementioned reasons.

[MSU01]

I am surprised only 2 finalists. Any idea total # of applicants.

And if at the community forum they both get a thumbs down will they go back to drawing board, or is it these guys only?

Clay Christian will declare a failed search and then just give the job to himself. And then when he’s in that position, he’ll give himself a $200,000/year raise. Thats how it worked when he became the commissioner of higher education.

1st commissioner not to have a doctorate (he only has a bachelors)
1st commissioner to never work in higher ed (he owned a title company)
Previous commissioner was making $180k/year. He increased salary to $300+k/year.

Anyone know what clay has accomplished the past 10+years? Me either.

This is exactly spot on! The only reason Tessman is a finalist is because he is someone that Christian can control. He couldn't control Waded, and that drove him nuts. She did what she wanted and what was best for MSU. And she was successful at it. Clay wants someone in this position that will kiss the ring. Just look at Bodner and UM. Also, that title company that Clay owned before becoming higher ed commissioner? They were a sponsor/donor of UM athletics. Maybe that's neither here nor there, but sounds a little like a conflict of interest to me. I could go on...

With this additional info being shared the whole thing sounds fishy and political. MSU reached historic heights under Cruzado and who in their right mind would want to see that end, or go backwards? Maybe someone who favors UM? I know I sound like a conspiracy theorist but something seems off.

I'm familiar with enough of the people on the search committee that I'm confident this search isn't being engineered as some kind of anti-MSU sabotage that is intended to benefit UM and allow them to catch up to the growth MSU has experienced under Cruzado's leadership. Around a decade ago I served on a search committee for a high-level position. Not nearly as high profile as this search, but people within our organization and in the community were definitely paying attention and were invested in the search process. After the initial round of interviews we selected three finalists and felt great about the group, but two of the three withdrew from consideration at that point including the candidate who was unanimously ranked #1 by the committee based on their resume and initial interview. We then had to reconvene and pick a second finalist who initially fell outside the Top 3. The reaction from people outside the committee once the two finalists were announced was a lot like what we're getting here (that's the best we could get?), but those of us on the committee couldn't say anything publicly about what really happened in order to maintain confidentiality of the process.

[BigBruceBaker]

I am surprised only 2 finalists. Any idea total # of applicants.

And if at the community forum they both get a thumbs down will they go back to drawing board, or is it these guys only?

Clay Christian will declare a failed search and then just give the job to himself. And then when he’s in that position, he’ll give himself a $200,000/year raise. Thats how it worked when he became the commissioner of higher education.

1st commissioner not to have a doctorate (he only has a bachelors)
1st commissioner to never work in higher ed (he owned a title company)
Previous commissioner was making $180k/year. He increased salary to $300+k/year.

Anyone know what clay has accomplished the past 10+years? Me either.

This is exactly spot on! The only reason Tessman is a finalist is because he is someone that Christian can control. He couldn't control Waded, and that drove him nuts. She did what she wanted and what was best for MSU. And she was successful at it. Clay wants someone in this position that will kiss the ring. Just look at Bodner and UM. Also, that title company that Clay owned before becoming higher ed commissioner? They were a sponsor/donor of UM athletics. Maybe that's neither here nor there, but sounds a little like a conflict of interest to me. I could go on...

With this additional info being shared the whole thing sounds fishy and political. MSU reached historic heights under Cruzado and who in their right mind would want to see that end, or go backwards? Maybe someone who favors UM? I know I sound like a conspiracy theorist but something seems off.

I'm familiar with enough of the people on the search committee that I'm confident this search isn't being engineered as some kind of anti-MSU sabotage that is intended to benefit UM and allow them to catch up to the growth MSU has experienced under Cruzado's leadership. Around a decade ago I served on a search committee for a high-level position. Not nearly as high profile as this search, but people within our organization and in the community were definitely paying attention and were invested in the search process. After the initial round of interviews we selected three finalists and felt great about the group, but two of the three withdrew from consideration at that point including the candidate who was unanimously ranked #1 by the committee based on their resume and initial interview. We then had to reconvene and pick a second finalist who initially fell outside the Top 3. The reaction from people outside the committee once the two finalists were announced was a lot like what we're getting here (that's the best we could get?), but those of us on the committee couldn't say anything publicly about what really happened in order to maintain confidentiality of the process.

Without specifics, did you select the original finalist or the additional one added after the withdrawal of the 2? Are you still happy with your choice and did it work out for all parties?

[nanacat]

I am surprised only 2 finalists. Any idea total # of applicants.

And if at the community forum they both get a thumbs down will they go back to drawing board, or is it these guys only?

Clay Christian will declare a failed search and then just give the job to himself. And then when he’s in that position, he’ll give himself a $200,000/year raise. Thats how it worked when he became the commissioner of higher education.

1st commissioner not to have a doctorate (he only has a bachelors)
1st commissioner to never work in higher ed (he owned a title company)
Previous commissioner was making $180k/year. He increased salary to $300+k/year.

Anyone know what clay has accomplished the past 10+years? Me either.

This is exactly spot on! The only reason Tessman is a finalist is because he is someone that Christian can control. He couldn't control Waded, and that drove him nuts. She did what she wanted and what was best for MSU. And she was successful at it. Clay wants someone in this position that will kiss the ring. Just look at Bodner and UM. Also, that title company that Clay owned before becoming higher ed commissioner? They were a sponsor/donor of UM athletics. Maybe that's neither here nor there, but sounds a little like a conflict of interest to me. I could go on...

With this additional info being shared the whole thing sounds fishy and political. MSU reached historic heights under Cruzado and who in their right mind would want to see that end, or go backwards? Maybe someone who favors UM? I know I sound like a conspiracy theorist but something seems off.

I'm familiar with enough of the people on the search committee that I'm confident this search isn't being engineered as some kind of anti-MSU sabotage that is intended to benefit UM and allow them to catch up to the growth MSU has experienced under Cruzado's leadership. Around a decade ago I served on a search committee for a high-level position. Not nearly as high profile as this search, but people within our organization and in the community were definitely paying attention and were invested in the search process. After the initial round of interviews we selected three finalists and felt great about the group, but two of the three withdrew from consideration at that point including the candidate who was unanimously ranked #1 by the committee based on their resume and initial interview. We then had to reconvene and pick a second finalist who initially fell outside the Top 3. The reaction from people outside the committee once the two finalists were announced was a lot like what we're getting here (that's the best we could get?), but those of us on the committee couldn't say anything publicly about what really happened in order to maintain confidentiality of the process.

And the same scenario you experienced could certainly be what happened here, though with what others have said about those in leadership, particularly the one, I'm guessing this isn't the case. But like you said, nothing can be said either way. The hard part is that Cruzado is done in June so no dilly dallying can happen. The new president needs to be in place sooner than later. I just really hope whomever is chosen is up to the task of continuing the trajectory that Cruzado has put MSU on. Anything less will be a downright shame.

[AFCAT]

I always think about the selection of Leon Costello to be the Athletic Director. Leon wasn't the first choice for the position. Kyle Brennan, who was selected first, quits after a few days and then Waded goes with Leon. Leon turns into a superstar and Brennan ends up basically getting canned at Illinois State and is now out of sports and selling medical devices in Michigan. Amazing how some of this stuff can be a crap shoot.

[MSU01]

I'm familiar with enough of the people on the search committee that I'm confident this search isn't being engineered as some kind of anti-MSU sabotage that is intended to benefit UM and allow them to catch up to the growth MSU has experienced under Cruzado's leadership. Around a decade ago I served on a search committee for a high-level position. Not nearly as high profile as this search, but people within our organization and in the community were definitely paying attention and were invested in the search process. After the initial round of interviews we selected three finalists and felt great about the group, but two of the three withdrew from consideration at that point including the candidate who was unanimously ranked #1 by the committee based on their resume and initial interview. We then had to reconvene and pick a second finalist who initially fell outside the Top 3. The reaction from people outside the committee once the two finalists were announced was a lot like what we're getting here (that's the best we could get?), but those of us on the committee couldn't say anything publicly about what really happened in order to maintain confidentiality of the process.

Without specifics, did you select the original finalist or the additional one added after the withdrawal of the 2? Are you still happy with your choice and did it work out for all parties?

The added finalist ended up being hired. I don't work directly with this person anymore but was reasonably happy with the choice while I still did...as always, there are probably other individuals who wouldn't feel the same way!

I guess the main point I'm getting at here is that a LOT goes on in these search committees that will never come out publicly due to the confidentiality of the process. I think it's great that the public has been invited to participate in the process and give input but at the same time I'd suggest refraining from assigning nefarious motives to any of the people involved in the search. It's a very tough job to be involved in something like this and I'm sure they're taking it very seriously.

[catatac]

I always think about the selection of Leon Costello to be the Athletic Director. Leon wasn't the first choice for the position. Kyle Brennan, who was selected first, quits after a few days and then Waded goes with Leon. Leon turns into a superstar and Brennan ends up basically getting canned at Illinois State and is now out of sports and selling medical devices in Michigan. Amazing how some of this stuff can be a crap shoot.

Yep, and keep in mind - Vigen was the sixth choice ad head FB coach for MSU. This, at least according to the Griztards that call him V6. He's worked out pretty well.

[catatac]

I was curious about the salary for this position and stumbled on the article below. That was from way back in 2019. So at the time at least, it doesn't appear CC was on a mission to hold back progress at MSU so UM could catch up. Sure, I guess that could be the case and he's just putting on this public front but take that for what you'd like. Also, I found more recent numbers and I think she's closer to $600K these days.

"The Board of Regents has approved a $150,000 pay raise to retain Waded Cruzado as the president of Montana State University after she received an offer for a higher-paying job.

Supporters say Waded Cruzado's vision and fundraising ability make her worth the $476,000 annual salary, while opponents noted her raise is nearly three times the median household income in Montana.

Commissioner of Higher Education Clay Christian supported the raise, saying it would allow Cruzado to continue the momentum she has created on the Bozeman campus."

[AFCAT]

I always think about the selection of Leon Costello to be the Athletic Director. Leon wasn't the first choice for the position. Kyle Brennan, who was selected first, quits after a few days and then Waded goes with Leon. Leon turns into a superstar and Brennan ends up basically getting canned at Illinois State and is now out of sports and selling medical devices in Michigan. Amazing how some of this stuff can be a crap shoot.

Yep, and keep in mind - Vigen was the sixth choice ad head FB coach for MSU. This, at least according to the Griztards that call him V6. He's worked out pretty well.

I know Vigen wasn't first choice but I doubt he was sixth. That's just gris fans playing their rather pathetic misinformation game.

[The Butcher]

Supporters say Waded Cruzado's vision and fundraising ability make her worth the $476,000 annual salary, while opponents noted her raise is nearly three times the median household income in Montana.

It appears MSU's annual budget is around $800 million. It would be difficult to find a president/CEO of a for-profit organization with a budget of that size earning a comparable salary. People often overlook the fact that non-profit organizations should be viewed similarly to for-profits when it comes to leadership, simply because the work is in the non-profit sector. If you want to attract and retain the best president/CEO — and staff in general — competitive compensation is essential, just like in any other business.

[kwcat]

I always think about the selection of Leon Costello to be the Athletic Director. Leon wasn't the first choice for the position. Kyle Brennan, who was selected first, quits after a few days and then Waded goes with Leon. Leon turns into a superstar and Brennan ends up basically getting canned at Illinois State and is now out of sports and selling medical devices in Michigan. Amazing how some of this stuff can be a crap shoot.

Yep, and keep in mind - Vigen was the sixth choice ad head FB coach for MSU. This, at least according to the Griztards that call him V6. He's worked out pretty well.

I know Vigen wasn't first choice but I doubt he was sixth. That's just gris fans playing their rather pathetic misinformation game.

Vigen was in the final three.
VI = 6