Farsighted leadership
Regarding, “Missteps on Houston land plan cost McRaven political capital” (Page A1, April 23), I know many legislators, and they admire UT Chancellor Bill McRaven and his UT System record. In fact, House Speaker Joe Straus provided a lengthy statement praising McRaven for his remarkable credentials, outstanding leadership and character and for having a clear vision for the UT System, which the Chronicle article boiled down to “doing an outstanding job.”
McRaven has taken a hands-on approach to leading UT institutions. He has addressed several critical issues and fixed existing problems with a measured, deliberate, but ultimately decisive approach. That kind of leadership is why McRaven has received scores of honors and is in great demand by faculty and student groups, business and community organizations, and philanthropists across the state.
McRaven’s forward-thinking vision was the driving motivation behind the idea to create an innovation hub in Houston. For charging ahead quickly and not building consensus on the project, he has apologized many times. He stopped the project because he recognized and took responsibility for failing to earn buy-in from important stakeholders.
The Chronicle’s own editorial board has opined that by resisting the project, “Houston made a mistake.” The editorial board called for “farsighted men and women with ambitious ideas about this city’s future, a future that includes a greater UT presence.”
McRaven is a farsighted leader who continuously seeks opportunities to better serve the students of The University of Texas. He deserves credit for his vision for the Houston project. He deserves credit for major strides that have been accomplished on behalf of higher education and health care, the relationships he has forged and continues to build, and the ambitious goals he has set for the UT System. Larry West, Houston, past chairman, University of Texas System Chancellor’s Council