After the claims of Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s newly appointed head for Marketing and Communications faculty and staff members spoke out to improve morale. Negative leadership and a toxic workplace environmentMarcom leadership in the past
Jarrick Brown, President of the Staff Council, stated that the university is striving to create a better environment for all employees, not just the Marketing department, but the entire campus.
As president of staff council, I will state that, based on that article and information that the university leadership was informed of, that part of our strategy plan we are working towards creating a great workplace environment for everyone on campus. Brown said.
Brown stated that the strategic plan includes town hall meetings, employee engagement surveys, roundtables and roundtables with high-up director to get feedback from faculty and staff on improving the on-campus experience.
Scott Gage, president of American Association of University Professors at A&M San Antonio, stated that he hopes that staff will reach out to him in the future to advocate on their behalf.
Gage stated that while AAUP is primarily a faculty organization, we stand in solidarity for all workers at every level. It is deeply troubling to know that some of our colleagues were treated this way.
Gage claimed Jeanette De Diemar, the former vice president for external relations and advancement, caused a lot in Marcom. He stated that it was concerning that complaints were being filed against Jeanette De Diemar and that the university’s mechanisms were not designed to allow employees to be heard.
Gage stated that university leaders must bring stability to the university and increase morale.
The ArticleGage stated that it was clear that none of this was happening. It is easy to see the ripple effects of discrimination and hostile work environments on campus.
Gage stated that these issues impact students, staff, and faculty. This also affects the university’s ability achieve its goal.
Jesse Pisors took over the role of vice-president for advancement and external relationships on March 28. Marcom is a brand-building initiative that aims to strengthen and expand university brands, particularly at A&M San Antonio which is the department’s main focus.
Pisors, who has been leading the department for only a few weeks now, said that he has not yet created a mission statement for university advancement and relations.
Pisors stated that I know where I believe we should go and where I want this group to go.
Gage reported that John Sharp (Texas A&M University System Chancellor) visited the A&M San Antonio campus last week. Gage stated that a survey revealed that only a small percentage of Bexar County residents are aware of A&M San Antonio’s existence.
Pisors stated that the university is working to increase brand awareness in the community.
Pisors stated that when we, as universities, sponsor or take part in community events, it strengthens our brand.
Marcom saw high turnover during De Diemars tenure. Gage said that high turnover is problematic because it limits the university’s ability and marketability to fulfill its mission.
Gage said that Marcom’s past work environment had damaged the university’s reputation with potential employees. This created an impression that Marcom was not a place professionals would want to work.
Gage stated that he is concerned about the institution’s ability to move forward and realize its potential as an exceptional university. We need people who can be trusted, who are skilled, and who are willing to work hard. The rate of turnover we see is limiting our ability to hire those people.
Brown however stated that turnover isn’t a problem at A&M San Antonio. It is a global problem due to the pandemic.
Brown said it’s the great resignation. It is happening in all businesses and companies.
Brown stated that the pandemic also changed the mindsets of employees and encouraged them to work from home.
The pandemic has also caused burnout among university employees. Gage stated that universities need to be more open about burnout.
Gage stated that the university has not acknowledged this in any meaningful or substantive manner. I don’t know what it would look, but I do know they wouldn’t just make a passing observation about how difficult it was. I believe that this would boost morale for many people.
Brown stated that the university is working hard to change the culture on campus for faculty and staff, but it will take time.
Brown said that Dr. Matson (and) his president cabinet are doing all they can to make this campus a place where faculty, staff, and students want to stay and work for a long time.
Pisors stated that there is a positive atmosphere in Marcom. Pisors said that workplace culture can take time to develop.
Pisors stated that I want to create and lead a positive workplace culture in Marcom. I believe it is crucial to create the right culture at Marcom for staff and employees. I would say the same anywhere I went.
Pisors suggested that administrators can encourage employees stay longer by providing professional development and encouraging a sense success.
Pisors stated that if employees see their leaders as having the same attitude and mindset, they will be more inclined to stay with them.