of the University of Akron. He's one of the final 3 candidates for the job. Now I know our Ohio State fans here liked/loved coach Tressel and most probably felt like he got a raw deal for just trying to protect his athletes. But never the less he lied to the NCAA and his Ath Director and it cost him dearly. It's hard to imagine that he's now in line for this job with that stain on his record. Plus it does seem like the President of a University should have advanced degrees, does Tressel have anything beyond a bachelors degree? Tressel Finalist for Akron
Terry, No, Tressel does not have a PHD degree, but I think he does have masters degree. Do not underestimate his credentials in his home state. He seems to be highly respected for his contributions to Akron in his present position as a vice president and is an excellent fundraiser. He also is a finalist for the Presidency of his alma matter, Youngstown State University. Universities are always interested in fund raisers!
I have no doubt that Tressel has great contacts in the state of Ohio and his reputation probably was not damaged to Ohioans as much as it was outside Ohio. Still not possessing a PhD and having the NCAA sanctions on his resume' would seem to make him a non-starter for the job. But he's been at Akron for a few years now and clearly he has to have done very well in his current position leading many on the Akron Board to believe he can do the Presidents job as well. While I said that it seems like most college presidents have a PhD, One of the more popular Texas A&M presidents, Earl Rudder, was a lawyer not a PhD. I would guess most if not all the Superintendents of the Military Academy's were not Ph.D's as well...at the Naval Academy they are always Admirals though.
I'm pretty sure that Mitch Daniels, President of Purdue, former governor of Indiana, and former budget director under a Republican president (Reagan? Bush I?), does not have a PhD.
Tressel chosen by Youngstown State trustees today. to be their ninth president. While he does not have a PHD, he is an excellent fundraiser and will do a fine job for the university, his Alma Matter!
Quite a job by Tressel to overcome the NCAA sanctions, put them behind him and focus on getting on with his life and doing what he does best. Be a leader.