Editorial: It is time for Dr. Gerth to retire

The time may be at hand for CSUS President Donald Gerth to retire. Gerth’s control over this campus is fading. His leadership is slipping.

The latest evidence came in an article in Sunday’s Sacramento Bee. Gerth stated that he desires a better athletics program for CSUS. When asked how that should be accomplished Gerth said “It beats me.”

Is that how it is supposed to work? It is frightening to think that Gerth has little knowledge about the programs he is supposed to manage.

In the same article, former athletic director Judith Davidson stated that in her two and a half years in the position Gerth never spoke with her regarding athletics until the day she was reassigned.

How is it possible to encourage and support the Athletics Department when the only time President Gerth is involved is when he is firing the Athletic Director?

His non-involvement has gone beyond athletics and has reached the point where it cannot be revived under his presidency.

Gerth has successfully distanced himself from a faculty that admonishes his lack of activity.

CSUS appears to no longer have his complete attention.

This year Gerth has been observed sleeping in many meetings, questioning business graduate students in exit interviews about their knowledge of Latin and diagraming sentences. Last December he read magazines on the podium during graduation ceremonies.

Gerth has done a lot for this campus. He spearheaded the effort to raise $50 million for the 50th anniversary. He has helped rejuvenate the campus with new facilities and modern buildings. The US Olympic Track and Field finals are coming to campus in no small part to Gerth’s efforts.

Gerth deserves our thanks. He has done a significant amount of good for this campus. However, the time has come for someone with not only the vision but also the energy to lead this campus.

It is time to acknowledge that for this university to continue its journey into the new millennium, things must change.

It is time to leave with dignity, like a champion at his peak. It is time to retire with pride in the two decades spent building this campus into what it is today. It is time to retire before a slide into mismanagement of CSUS overshadows those milestones.