Behind the Hedges: Big Money and Power Politics at the University of Georgia

By Richard Whitt

Book Overview

In Behind the Hedges, journalist Rich Whitt focused his investigative lens on recent events at the University of Georgia, and in so doing examined the bigger story of "a sea change in how America... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1588382060
• ISBN13: 9781588382061
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: Blair
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.3" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Behind the Hedges

This book states facts that I had already heard and had been hearing from employees at UGA for the past several years since Michael Adams took over as President. It was well put together by someone who does not have ties with UGA and does not have an axe to grind, although it may come off that way. I highly recommend this book to all UGA alumni and students and to everyone in the Bulldog Nation. The Truth has been written! Excellent read!

The Truth about UGA

This well-researched book reveals the truth about the tenure of Adams, the present president. It also reveals the truth about the Board of Regents in GA which controls the university system. There are no educators on that board. It is filled with wealthy friends of the governor ( who have, by the way, contributed major money to his re-election ) and other politicians who know little if anything about the realities of higher education. That Adams has not been fired for major errors and fraud is mainly due to a board which refuses to admit error in appointing him as well as to a super wealthy friend on the board who insists on his retention. Unfortunately, this story is certainly duplicated in other states but definitely not as vividly. The author has all the substantiated truth in this excellent volume. A sad but true story that perhaps merits a revealing movie !!

Indeed....

Sad to read this book & see how politics are now driving UGA. Someone said to me recently that "UGA is not longer 'of Georgia' - meaning not our old beloved school of our youth. Now driven by global thinking, radical minds, a power hungry egotistical president, etc. If you leave money to UGA in your will, be sure & restrict it or else see it go to causes that will make the hair stand up on the back of your neck.

Great read for UGA grads, students and fans

Very interesting read that sheds light on all the shortcomings of Dr. Adams. I was extremely excited to get this book and it did not disappoint. Scandals, affairs, and back room deals have run the state of Georgia for years and the trend seems to be continuing. Great read for UGA fans, students, and alumni to see how the system actually operates.

Must read for anyone interested in UGA and the governance of public universities

The Pulitzer Prize winning author of this book lays out a story of the abuse of power by the President of The University of Georgia and how back room deals and self serving politics have resulted in multiple problems over the tenure of the currrent President, Michael Adams. In addition to the current managment of the Univeristy others come in for criticism for their actions or inattention to their responsibilites including the Board of Regents, the Attorney General of Georgia, and the current govenor, Sonny Perdue. Even the media are taken to task for simply attributing any criticism of the current administration to the widly publicized rift between the ionic Vince Dooley, the former football coach and athletic director, and Adams-overlooking the indications of more serious issues. In spite of some successes during Adam's tenure, a lack of trust has resulted in the withdrawal of support from some alumni. In addition there are now two separate Foundations accepting donations and the University has lost significant royalties on a successful drug developed by a former researcher in the Veternary School. As state funds for higher education continue to decrease, the importance of private fundraising and money which can come from the new products produced by researchers has increased. As one reviewer states "preoccupation with power, perks, and petty politics weakens the glue of trust necessary to bind highly educated, independent minded scholars together with others in the common cause of excellence". This book is recommended for anyone interested in UGA or the governance of state supported institutions of Higher Education.