Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Jackson has done many good things for RPI. Unfortunately, during her tenure, she also has created a dysfunctional culture (including insensitivity to Greek organizations and student management of the Student Union), which has alienated an unacceptable number of alumni, faculty and staff from the pursuit of RPI's vision and mission.

Visionary leadership requires that all stakeholders be treated fairly, equally and respectfully. All leading universities have a symbiotic relationship with their alumni in which the university educates its alumni and the success of the alumni enhances the reputation of the university. In many cases, successful alumni return to the university to serve on advisory boards and to deliver lectures. Dr. Jackson has had limited success doing this.