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- Dr. Surrendra Singh
College of Education Faculty Oral Histories
Dr. Surrendra Singh
SS: There is a whole new set of events that propelled me towards faculty governance and faculty union. As you know Lou, the 1960s was a very troubling and many ways a transforming time in our nation’s history. In higher education, particularly in our state of Florida, there were challenges. You may recall faculty members were fired, dismissed, or forced to resign without due process at UF and USF. This was post Johns Committee interference with academic freedom on campuses across Florida. Being a part of a nation where democracy has been evolving, the lack of due process right for the faculty did not make any sense. This did not set well in my conscious. The need for due process right for the faculty and the need for shared decision making in higher education led me to share my beliefs with like minded faculty at the University. Our University was fortunate to have some bright progressive thinking faculty. I studied the governing documents of AAUP and worked with faculty, whenever I was able to do so, in developing the shared governance structure. I had the honor to serve in various capacities including being a chapter president and as a first Asian-American FTP-NEA board member.
Shared faculty governance is a concept was very dear to my heart. I believed then and believe now that shared governance in higher education is in the nation’s best interest. It did not make any sense then, nor does it make any sense now that any good leader in their rational mind will make unilateral decisions on bilateral matters and expect bilateral collaboration. The very best use of human intellect in making policies to enrich nation’s intellectual endowment is when academic governing decisions are shared. Some bad educational leadership propelled faculty in the College of Education to develop a shared working document. I volunteered my time and views in whatever capacity I was able to in developing shared governance mechanism. I have kept some original documents including the original college constitution which I would like to give to library to keep. The original constitution has been revised, and the revised constitution is being considered for next revision. The basic tenants still remain violable that shared governance in higher education is the key for maintaining intellectual freedom, freedom to create with least amount of interference, and serve the community. If I may go a little further and submit that higher education administrative leadership must be more then cheer leaders and must sincerely believe in shared governance rather then giving shared governance a lip service.
LB: I remember the first time the constitution was revised I said, “where is the constitution? I’m sure Surrendra Singh has several copies.” You were the keeper of that document.
SS: I still have, and as I have stated above, would like to give to library for keep. Lou, I might add that the College of Education has every reason to be very proud of its faculty as they have worked hard in developing the document and in establishing the College Council as a mechanism for shared governance. Let this be a model for the nation’s colleges of education in developing shared governance rather then water it down to be reenacted in the future. This is indeed a futuristic enterprise.
LB: It would be nice to have it (the constitution) as part of our special collections here at USF library.
SS: The document shows age, good age. I will give you the copy.
LB: Well, now the work with the union. How did that come about? That was developing simultaneously, I would think.