High stakes in Miller’s UM-UMB poker game

Its Miller Time in Annapolis again. Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller’s perennial push for a merger of the University of Maryland, College Park and the University of Maryland, Baltimore is front and center in the legislative agenda, along with happy talk about what makes the public universities great in the metric games and promises of economic and social spinoffs (“What about UMBC?” March 7).

Lest we forget, UMandUMBalong with the University of Maryland Medical System were one unhappy family for decades. UMMSfor many reasons including changes in health care regulation and procurement tie-ups went its own way under Al Farmer, and UMMShas done very well as a health care provider and research institution. To date no one has suggested they incorporate back into the state higher education system, as size alone does not ensure excellence over time in research, teaching, and management efficiencies.

When then-Gov. William Donald Schaefer established the higher education commission which led to the formation of the University System of Maryland for all public institutions, excepting for political reasons Morgan State and St. Mary’s (a whole other topic for public policy, particularly in light of a lower federal court ruling), the imbalance of power and resources for the non-UM and UMB institutions was acute. Thankfully, since the USM has come onto the playing field, that has been increasingly addressed. Though not perfect, the situation is much improved in a way that would not have occurred under the old split systems. This peace with prosperity will be threatened by a mega-merger.

As for the idea of co-presidents, many a corporation has failed with co-heads. Collaboration programming is proving a benefit and should be the mainstay of the effort for another decade to test the effort and further flush out the problems of cultural differences within the institutions and geographic areas.

As a past member of the Board of Regents who chaired its Finance Committee, a past adjunct associate professor at one of the member institutions, and a UM undergrad and graduate school alumnus, I can say the table game being played by Mr. Miller has high stakes for all. It has been studied and found wanting in cost effectiveness. The current focus on collaboration is much preferred until proven a best practice or in need of adaptation, but this should wait until Mr. Miller has left the Senate.

Ed Crawford, Baltimore The writer is a former member of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents.