“Collaboration is our best path forward”—Kazue Harada

Speech to Miami University Board of Trustees at their meeting on February 23, 2024:

My name is Kazue Harada. First, I’d like to congratulate all my colleagues on their promotions!

I’m a faculty member in East Asian Studies, part of the GRAMELAC department. I am a recent U.S. immigrant who was sponsored by Miami University, and it’s been a privilege to be a part of the Miami community by offering my expertise in East Asian areas. I sincerely hope that Miami continues investing in faculty and students to serve Ohio’s increasingly global needs and to create a diverse community.  

I would like to address Miami’s and higher ed’s pressing need for change. These challenges are real and serious. Frankly, I am very concerned. This is not a manufactured crisis. That’s why I’m deeply concerned about the proposal to suspend our faculty committee to evaluate administrators. I’m concerned for two reasons.

“Ignoring faculty input is shortsighted and counterproductive. Work with us, not against us.”

First, if Miami is going to succeed, it will need effective and creative leadership from every level of the university more than ever before. Ending a feedback process from the people you are leading is unwise. It suggests serious weakness of leadership, not strength.

Second, Miami needs everyone involved in innovation.  Real Innovation won’t just happen from the top down. Ignoring faculty input is shortsighted and counterproductive. Work with us, not against us.

I implore Miami’s administrative leaders to recognize the energy and passion shown by our faculty and union members to attend this meeting as a resource and sign of hope for Miami’s future, not obstacles.  Collaboration between faculty and administration is our best path forward. Let’s work together as partners to ensure Miami’s success. It’s our only chance. 

Read more speeches to the Board.