I couldn't help but cluck a little this morning when I read the New York Times' account of the resignation of Marilee Jones, Dean of Admissions at fabled M.I.T. I'm sure I was not alone in my reactions to the news that Ms.-Dr. Jones has not one shred of the credentials claimed in order to gain her the post of Dean of Admissions. I may, however, be one of few who view this with some glee at the irony.
Here's a woman who began her career at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1979 in an entry-level position in the admissions office. She apparently didn't need a degree for that job. She was, however, supposed to have at least one to allow her to attain the post of Dean of Admissions. Here's where the story gets a little muddy. The story says she claimed to have degrees from several institutes of higher learning in New York. It doesn't say whether she provided that information in writing or in any form other than verbal claims. I suspect it's quite embarrassing for the MIT Chancellor, Phillip L. Clay to admit that her credentials were simply not checked. Everyone knew her, trusted her and admired her. And then she blew them out of the water with her admission and departure.
Here's the irony -- the woman had what appears to be a prestigious career, working for an organization that so many aspire to attend, gaining the acceptance and respect of essentially everyone from colleagues and peers to students. All without the educational background prescribed. She was a pioneer in the field of admissions, changing some of the negative aspects of the "college admissions frenzy." She's written at least one book on the topic of stress in college admissions, and has been traveling the country speaking to promote the book. According to the Times article, the book has furthered her reputation--positively. And, Ms. Jones was awarded the MIT Excellence Award for Leading Change--MIT's highest honor for administrators.
There is one line in the entire article that sums up for me what this is all about: "...whatever her personal shortcomings, her efforts deserved respect." This came following her resignation, from "many" college admissions officers and high school college counselors. Bravo.
I'm not about bashing degrees or the people who hold them. What I am about is honoring people for what they do. Too often the label--the framed degree on the office wall--is the only thing given any value. I see it every single day on the campus for which I work. This woman was able to accomplish incredible things because people thought she had the degrees. Had they known she did not, would she have had any platform at all for her ideas?
Perhaps our teachings should concentrate more on people's ideals and abilities, and less on the frame on the wall.
To read the N.Y. Times article, click here.
Labels: Dean, false credentials, MIT, resignation
