Remembering life on the Hill with Doc Boling
by Charles E. Smith
As the dust settles on the second failed UT presidency in three years, perhaps it is instructive to look back to another presidency that brought honor, dignity, class, excellence, integrity, and credibility to the University.
The presidency was that of Dr. Edward J. Boling, who served with distinction for 18 years. His success as president stands in stark contrast to what UT has experienced in recent times.
I had the honor to work directly under his supervision for most of his years as President, serving as his executive assistant, as chancellor of two of the University system's campuses, and as vice president for administration. On a daily basis, I had opportunity to observe firsthand his conduct as president, to study his style of leadership, to assess his character, to witness his pursuit of goals, and to see his love and devotion to the University he led.
In all of my years of service with him, I never once saw publicly or privately any hint of scandal, any breach of faith, any misuse of power, any dishonest word, or any self-serving action.
To Ed Boling, the presidency of the University of Tennessee was far more than a professional assignment. It was his life. It was his love. It was his devotion.
His commitment to UT was "24/7" with no compromising in the quest to make the University all that it could be.
Dr. Boling was the primary architect of UT's nationally acclaimed alumni and development programs. During his tenure, every capital gifts campaign not only met lofty goals but also exceeded them.
While never a politician himself, he was widely respected by the state's political leadership. It was respect that had been earned by a consistent track record of keeping his word, doing his homework, and exercising good judgment. His relentless efforts to gain political support for UT's budget needs were legendary.
Perhaps his greatest achievement as president, however, was the corporate culture he developed. It was a culture that promoted teamwork, spawned mutual trust, valued friendships, expected high moral conduct, and appreciated loyalty. Those who worked with him — staff, faculty, alumni, students, and donors alike — were family, and were treated as such.
It was that family-like environment that made UT in those days a place where people liked to come to work, where communications flowed effectively, where decision making reflected collective judgments, where credit for success was widely shared, and where pride was in evidence throughout the organization.
Ed Boling was truly a role model for those who served on his staff. He set high standards, not just for performance but also for personal conduct. He expected results, but he never asked more of others than he was willing to give himself. He had little patience for those who were not willing to give 100 percent effort and commitment.
The University made steady and significant progress under his leadership. His many accomplishments were achieved without a lot of fanfare. Pomp and circumstance were not a part of his style. He was not a headline or glory seeker. His ego was always held in check.
His successes as President have been chronicled over the years, but he has never received the acclaim he deserves. Perhaps the deficiency in praise has been the result of his choice to promote the University and not himself over the years.
The two presidents who failed in recent times rode high profiles into Knoxville on white horses and left disgraced in the dark of night. In earlier and better times, Ed Boling quietly assumed the presidency, held it with dignity for 18 years, and left behind a legacy of achievement and excellence.
Undoubtedly, historians of the future will view kindly the presidency of Edward J. Boling. He clearly made a difference, and for that the people of Tennessee should be deeply grateful.
Smith is chancellor-emeritus of the Tennessee Board of Regents and former State Commissioner of Education. He is currently serving as executive director of the National Assessment Governing Board in Washington, D.C.
October 30, 2003 * Vol. 13, No. 44
© 2003 Metro Pulse
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