Bodnar is the choice

[grizpsych]

A Rhodes Scholarship is 2 years. Bodnar got 2 masters degrees at Oxford.

University of Oxford
Rhodes Scholarship, MSc, Two degrees -- Economic and Social History & Comparative Social Policy
2001 – 2003

I am surprised that people, especially ones associated with a university, don't know that a Rhodes Scholarship is generally 2 years. At least at my school, everyone knew that. I suppose that may have been because a number of people applied for them every year, and some got them. My football team, who was drafted by the NFL, took a Rhodes Scholarship instead and then went to law school. Smart guy.

A Rhodes scholarship is typically for two to three years depending on the program that a student wishes to study? Though they will give out one-year scholarships. (You can download the brochure here http://www.rhodesscholar.org/applying-for-the-scholarship/oxford-the-rhodes-scholarships/)Though, I fail to understand what my point about the academic rigor of graduate programs in the UK compared to the US has to do with knowledge about the Rhodes Scholarship?

Regarding Presidents with business backgrounds that failed to keep Universities moving forward, you'll just have to figure it out for yourself. I try not to post anything that could have possible consequences for my future. Sorry.

 

[grizpsych]

grizpsych, what schools had business presidents who failed?

I can name a school where a former provost and professor became president and failed.

Very true. I can name many. Indeed, there is a trend of pushing poor academics into administration, at least at some places.

 

[PlayerRep]

A Rhodes Scholarship is 2 years. Bodnar got 2 masters degrees at Oxford.

University of Oxford
Rhodes Scholarship, MSc, Two degrees -- Economic and Social History & Comparative Social Policy
2001 – 2003

I am surprised that people, especially ones associated with a university, don't know that a Rhodes Scholarship is generally 2 years. At least at my school, everyone knew that. I suppose that may have been because a number of people applied for them every year, and some got them. My football team, who was drafted by the NFL, took a Rhodes Scholarship instead and then went to law school. Smart guy.

That team you played on gets more amazing with every puffed up chest post you make! Pump down the chest once in a while and proofread.

I am old enough so that I let people like you proofread for me. Also, only 3 teams scored on us in our best year, the rest shut outs. 1 TD scored against the first team D. Pretty amazing, huh? How about your team? How many Sports Illustrated articles were written about your team? Ha.

 

[grzz]

Okay. Been there done that.

When I googled "GE financials," I saw several "the sky is falling" articles about its current problems. But I've followed the stock market for a long, long time, and I'm used to "pundits" who can't see beyond the next quarterly report. (Don't get me started.) But I go with overall and long-term numbers, and the GE balance sheet does not justify the doom and gloom, IMO.

Actually, of more interest for me was to look at where he was in GE which, of course, is a huge company. I find he worked at GE Transportation. That segment has shown steady earnings growth over the past several years and is considered one of the most innovative GE divisions (which is saying something for GE).

Can he adapt to running a university? Looks to me like he's smart enough to do well, but only time will tell. It will interesting to see how his background on the other side (student) at a military academy and then at Oxford will play out. I note that he did teach classes at the Academy, but don't see how many or for how long.

No denying GE is in a severe slump (-22% this year). But, regarding this hire, I do hope it works. Though, I've now seen it fail at two universities.

On another topic, I too have met Ph.D's that are as dumb as a box of rocks which makes me question the rigors at some schools. But, did you know that a Master's program in the UK is only a year of study?

It is in the U.S. too. My dad has an MBA and it took him 2 years to go part time.

Huh? It's typically two years in the states and one year in the UK. And, there isn't necessarily a problem with that either. But being a masters level graduate student gives you no insight into the operation of a University.

Honestly, what about a PhD gives someone insight in to the operations of a University? A small by comparison research budget perhaps. PhDs don't require a candidate to take any classes in teaching, instructor training or supervision, budgeting, Human Resource Management, budget and finance, auxiliary management, etc. I get that a PhD candidate sees the academic mission at the highest level but it seams like we are willing to overlook lack of serious training or efficiency in all of these crucial real world operational aspects for the PhD, but the candidate on the other side of the conversation gets far less benefit of the doubt.

 

[grizpsych]

No denying GE is in a severe slump (-22% this year). But, regarding this hire, I do hope it works. Though, I've now seen it fail at two universities.

On another topic, I too have met Ph.D's that are as dumb as a box of rocks which makes me question the rigors at some schools. But, did you know that a Master's program in the UK is only a year of study?

It is in the U.S. too. My dad has an MBA and it took him 2 years to go part time.

Huh? It's typically two years in the states and one year in the UK. And, there isn't necessarily a problem with that either. But being a masters level graduate student gives you no insight into the operation of a University.

Honestly, what about a PhD gives someone insight in to the operations of a University? A small by comparison research budget perhaps. PhDs don't require a candidate to take any classes in teaching, instructor training or supervision, budgeting, Human Resource Management, budget and finance, auxiliary management, etc. I get that a PhD candidate sees the academic mission at the highest level but it seams like we are willing to overlook lack of serious training or efficiency in all of these crucial real world operational aspects for the PhD, but the candidate on the other side of the conversation gets far less benefit of the doubt.

It's not directly related to the Ph.D., I wouldn't recommend hiring a doctorate that works in the private sector to be President of a school either. But, a faculty member of a school has to partake in service to the school as part of their job responsibilities. And by its nature, the service requirement makes faculty learn the intricacies of how a university operates. Indeed, in the 4 years that I have been faculty at SEMO, I have been a part of many committees that taught me many different aspects of this university (e.g., Academic Affairs, an IT committee, Hiring committees, Budget review, Faculty Senate, etc.). No way does a student ever learn about these things. But, it's not the degree, it's the experience.

Edit: I was required to take a course on teaching while earning my Ph.D. But, I agree, many programs have no such requirement.

 

[PlayerRep]

He has no experience as an academic/faculty member and plenty experience as an executive of a failing company. This should go well...

Bodnar was an economics prof at West Point for a couple years. "No experience as a faculty member"? Huh? Nice research,

 

[PlayerRep]

GE a “failing company?” Hmmm … let's see.

Company value: just under $400 billion
Revenue: $128 billion (5-yr average)
Generally runs in the top 10-15 most profitable U. S. companies.
Dividend yield: 4% (5-yr growth, 14.9%)
Considered one of the most recognizable/known brands in the world.

One the top suppliers of aircraft engines (military and civilian) in the world.
Its Power division is the largest developer and supplier of such in the world (talking about giant turbines for power generation and so on).

Looks pretty healthy to me. With that dividend, we might own some of its stock … if the P/E (abt 28) weren’t so high.

How about one or three year growth? Why did they recently ground their corporate jets? Why did their CEO resign early? Why are they selling off large parts of their business? And, why is this exec seeking a way out by coming here?

I hope it works of course. I just have doubts. It didn't work here at my university.

Immelt is 61 and was the head of GE for 16 years. He announced in June that he would be stepping down later in the year. His successor started taking over in various roles, and Immelt said recently that he would retire as board chair now, instead of the end of the year, to give his successor full control. Seems like a good and sensible thing to do, if the successor has already hit the ground running.

I see that you, a professor, appear to be skeptical of a strong leader who will come in, take control, learn the situation, make decisions and then execute on them. This fear of having a university run well is one of my gripes with some in academia. They are sometimes unrealistic and lost in the clouds. Not saying you are.

You assume too much. I'm worried he won't be able to be a "strong leader who will come in, take control, learn the situation, make decisions and then execute on them".

Nope, I don't assume too much. I know him a bit and know what kind of guy and leader he is, and I did my homework. This is exactly what he was hired for. Did you do any homework on him at all. Did you even read his resume that he applied with? Many of the UM faculty are very excited about him and supported him. Of course, not all did.

 

[zengriz]

...b s = bull shit...
...m s = more siht...
...p h d = piled high and deep...

... :silly: ...

 

[bgbigdog]

Over/Under on whether the brainy, distinguished veteran business guy does better than Royce? I’d go with the over.

Then again, I’d go with chimp in a suit over Royce. Couldn’t possibly be anything but better.

 

[PlayerRep]

A Rhodes Scholarship is 2 years. Bodnar got 2 masters degrees at Oxford.

University of Oxford
Rhodes Scholarship, MSc, Two degrees -- Economic and Social History & Comparative Social Policy
2001 – 2003

I am surprised that people, especially ones associated with a university, don't know that a Rhodes Scholarship is generally 2 years. At least at my school, everyone knew that. I suppose that may have been because a number of people applied for them every year, and some got them. My football team, who was drafted by the NFL, took a Rhodes Scholarship instead and then went to law school. Smart guy.

A Rhodes scholarship is typically for two to three years depending on the program that a student wishes to study? Though they will give out one-year scholarships. (You can download the brochure here http://www.rhodesscholar.org/applying-for-the-scholarship/oxford-the-rhodes-scholarships/)Though, I fail to understand what my point about the academic rigor of graduate programs in the UK compared to the US has to do with knowledge about the Rhodes Scholarship?

Regarding Presidents with business backgrounds that failed to keep Universities moving forward, you'll just have to figure it out for yourself. I try not to post anything that could have possible consequences for my future. Sorry.

You don't think doing a two-year Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford, and obtaining 2 masters degrees there, is rigorous?

You don't think your avatar "could have possible consequences for your future"? Now, that's pretty funny.

 

[grizpsych]

How about one or three year growth? Why did they recently ground their corporate jets? Why did their CEO resign early? Why are they selling off large parts of their business? And, why is this exec seeking a way out by coming here?

I hope it works of course. I just have doubts. It didn't work here at my university.

Immelt is 61 and was the head of GE for 16 years. He announced in June that he would be stepping down later in the year. His successor started taking over in various roles, and Immelt said recently that he would retire as board chair now, instead of the end of the year, to give his successor full control. Seems like a good and sensible thing to do, if the successor has already hit the ground running.

I see that you, a professor, appear to be skeptical of a strong leader who will come in, take control, learn the situation, make decisions and then execute on them. This fear of having a university run well is one of my gripes with some in academia. They are sometimes unrealistic and lost in the clouds. Not saying you are.

You assume too much. I'm worried he won't be able to be a "strong leader who will come in, take control, learn the situation, make decisions and then execute on them".

Nope, I don't assume too much. I know him a bit and know what kind of guy and leader he is, and I did my homework. This is exactly what he was hired for. Did you do any homework on him at all. Did you even read his resume that he applied with? Many of the UM faculty are very excited about him and supported him. Of course, not all did.

Good to hear. I hope he does great. I'm pretty sure everyone hopes he does great?

 

[AZGrizFan]

First item of business President Bodnar: burn your wife's Cat gear!

Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MTGRZ]

Immelt is 61 and was the head of GE for 16 years. He announced in June that he would be stepping down later in the year. His successor started taking over in various roles, and Immelt said recently that he would retire as board chair now, instead of the end of the year, to give his successor full control. Seems like a good and sensible thing to do, if the successor has already hit the ground running.

I see that you, a professor, appear to be skeptical of a strong leader who will come in, take control, learn the situation, make decisions and then execute on them. This fear of having a university run well is one of my gripes with some in academia. They are sometimes unrealistic and lost in the clouds. Not saying you are.

You assume too much. I'm worried he won't be able to be a "strong leader who will come in, take control, learn the situation, make decisions and then execute on them".

Nope, I don't assume too much. I know him a bit and know what kind of guy and leader he is, and I did my homework. This is exactly what he was hired for. Did you do any homework on him at all. Did you even read his resume that he applied with? Many of the UM faculty are very excited about him and supported him. Of course, not all did.

Good to hear. I hope he does great. I'm pretty sure everyone hopes he does great?

Yes. We all hope he does great. Success of the University is bigger than one person, so we all need to get in line and support! If he does fail, then we speak up, but for now, I think support is our best course of action.

 

[PlayerRep]

I was copying from a pdf, so some of the format, and substance, may be goofed up a bit.

SETH BODNAR - RESUME

EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD, Oxford, England, 2001-2003
Master of Science in Economic and Social History; Master of Science in Comparative Social Policy
Rhodes Scholar

UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY, West Point, NY, 1997-2001
Bachelor of Science in Economics; graduated first in class (overall performance); class
valedictorian (academics)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY

Senior Executive, Strategy and Business Transformation, GE Transportation (September 2017-Present)
Work directly with the CEO of GE Transportation – a global equipment, services, and software
provider with ~$5 billion in annual revenue – on the formulation and implementation of the
business’s long-term strategy and the transformation of the organization to meet the changing needs
of the freight transportation industry.

President, GE Transportation Digital Solutions and Chief Digital Officer, GE Transportation (July
2015-August 2017 Leader of global business that provides a connected suite of software solutions
driving productivity, efficiency, and enhanced service quality for the transportation industry.
~1500 employees and ~$0.5 billion annual sales.
• Took multiple, disparate businesses from across GE Transportation and established streamlined,
integrated business unit with 4 product lines and re-vamped leadership team
• Implemented rigorous operating rhythm, processes & tools; improved software on-time delivery
by 47
• Established “Principles of Excellence” to drive cultural transformation across business
• Acquired and successfully integrated two companies – one in Sri Lanka and one in Canada
• Drove significant international expansion…20+% orders growth in first year of operations
• Expanded product offerings into adjacent spaces (ports, non-GE assets); secured key launch
orders
• During worst rail industry downturn in decades, grew external orders 10% in 2016; forecast of 20%
external orders growth in 2017
• Asked by company’s senior leadership to present at investor meeting, to GE Board of Directors,
and a Global Leadership Meeting; frequent keynote speaker at conferences globally

General Manager, Global Signaling Solutions, GE Transportation (December 2013-June 2015)
Business leader of division responsible for implementing integrated signaling and communication
systems for transportation networks around the world. Active portfolio of more than 400 projects;
total value of over $1 billion.
• Implemented new project management processes and tools; introduced earned-value management met
and cross-functional operating mechanisms to drive significantly improved project on-time delivery
• Increased contribution margin from core operations 97%; drove > $10 million productivity gains
• Completed due diligence process and successfully managed business divestiture to Alstom
• Promoted to Senior Executive Band (less than 0.2% of company)

Executive – Product Management, Global Locomotive Operations, GE Transportation (2013)
Product management and strategy formulation for GE’s global locomotive business.
• Developed cost-effective, customer-centric product development strategy for dual-fuel
locomotive
• Led strategy formulation for global locomotive business; supported successful launch of Tier 4
platfor

Senior Project Manager, Office of the CEO, GE Corporate (2011-2012)
Senior financial analyst for Power & Water, Energy Management, Oil & Gas, and Aviation businesses.
• Lead staff FP&A analyst for business units with approximately ~$80 billion in total annual
revenue. Worked with business teams to track, analyze, and explain segment results. Supported
development o quarterly earnings calls, analyst meetings, board of directors meetings, and
regulatory filings.
• Led initiative on distributed power for GE Power business, leading to creation of new product
platform

THE UNITED STATES ARMY

Assistant Professor of Economics, United States Military Academy at West Point (2009-2011)
• Taught undergraduate courses in economics and trained and mentored cadets in leadership
development
• Conducted and published research on economic development in conflict areas.
• Senior mentor for students applying for post-graduate scholarships (Rhodes, Marshall, Truman)
• Rated by department head as the most talented officer she had worked with in 30+ years of
service.

Special Assistant to the Commanding General, Multi-National Force-Iraq (2008-2009)
• Advisor to Commanding General and key author of strategic documents to convey guidance to forces
Iraq, international organizations, and US military and national security leadership.
• Commanding General evaluated performance as “brilliant” and described as “one of the most gifted
a talented officers among all ranks in Multi-National Forces – Iraq” (approx. 130,000 people)

Commander, Operational Detachment Alpha 1222, 1st Special Forces Group (2006-2008)
• Completed intensive selection and qualification course; selected as honor graduate of Army’s
rigorous Special Operations Underwater Operations course
• Commanded detachment of Green Berets on multiple deployments around the globe
• Selected out of 54 ODA commanders as 1st Group nominee for MacArthur Leadership Award.
• Promoted “below the zone” (one year early) to the rank of Major (limited to less than 10% of
officers across the Army).

Platoon Leader and Battalion Adjutant, 101st Airborne Division (2003-2005)
• Commanded 40-man infantry rifle platoon in training and in counterinsurgency operations in
Mosul, I
• Oversaw complete overhaul of personnel and administrative section of 500-person battalion.

HONORS, AWARDS, AND ACTIVITIES
Rhodes Scholar, 2001
Truman Scholar, 2000

Term Member, Council on Foreign Relations
NCAA Division I Baseball Letterman
Board member at The Positivity Project, a non-profit organization focused on character education
2015 “Outstanding Coach” award from GE’s Corporate Leadership Staff, GE’s premier leadership
development progr Major, US Army Reserve, and visiting faculty member in Department of Social
Sciences at West Point

Military Awards: US Army Green Beret, US Army Ranger, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Combat Diver’s
Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army
Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal

Publications:
“’Monetary Ammunition’ in a Counterinsurgency,” Parameters, Fall 2010 “Veterans, Citizens,”
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, November 8, 2008
“From Battlefield to Boardroom: Lessons in Leadership,” Virginia Pilot, April 9, 2017

 

[horribilisfan8184]

But can he relate to the regular guy/gal/student? What is his bowling average?

 

[jodcon]

Looks like a good hire, was my second choice behind Hauck.

 

[CDAGRIZ]

Looks like a good hire, was my second choice behind Hauck.

:lol: Solid.

 

[argh!]

Looks like a good hire, was my second choice behind Hauck.

ha!

 

[signedbewildered]

But can he relate to the regular guy/gal/student? What is his bowling average?

http://missoulian.com/news/local/seth-bodnar-plans-to-be-a-visible-leader-at-the/article_731f3ce6-f2cc-5f8b-b2fb-d4d6a6b7ba16.html#tncms-source=home-breaking


NEW UM PRESIDENT

Seth Bodnar plans to be a visible leader at the University of Montana

"....Seth Bodnar might challenge some of the Lady Griz basketball players to one-on-one games.

"I'll probably get embarrassed and beat," Bodnar said. On second thought: "I will get embarrassed and beat."

Bodnar, selected this week to be the University of Montana's 18th president, wants to go to athletic practices, eat dinner with students around a big dining room table, and hike the M with them."

..................

Article goes on to touch on his priorities, immediate agenda and bowling average. (208) Maybe he CAN kick.

 

[UMcheer2000]

I’m already liking this freshman!