Spring Break
Professor enjoys being leader of Academic Senate
Anna Bakalis, Daily Staff Writer
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"I don't want to compare the Academic Senate to a circus, " Brent said. "But I am a kind of ringmaster."
Instead of a whip and top hat he has a gavel and wears a suit and tie.
According to Brent, one of the most challenging aspects of his position is "walking the tight rope between faculty and administration."
Brent was recently re-elected unanimously as chairman.
The Academic Senate, which has 50 senators, is a governing body that is made up mainly of administration and faculty, but also includes student representatives. The senate reviews new policy given by committees and implements changes for the entire university.
"I try to represent the interests of the faculty, but also I have to maintain a working relationship with the administration," Brent said.
Under the auspices of the Academic Senate there are nine committees that sub-divide further to make 15 committees that span from alcohol and drug abuse prevention to a budget advisory committee to a committee on committees.
As chairman of the Academic Senate meetings, Brent introduces new policy issues or proposals that come from the sub-committees. After the initial review, senators may ask questions and a debate may ensue.
One of the most controversial issues the Academic Senate recently faced was the building of the new library. The construction of the Martin Luther King Jr. library is an unprecedented move towards integration of community and university. The SJSU faculty was more opposed than the administration.
"The opposition to the new library proposal was extremely vocal," Brent said.
Faculty and administration are the two biggest decision-making entities of the university.
"Like in any organization, there is tension between men and labor. I think that some faculty members are inherently suspicious of some administrators," Brent said.
Before this, he was vice president of the senate and prior to that, he was on the University Library Board, which is where he first met Patricia Breivik, dean of the University Library.
"His insights helped get (the new library proposal) off to a good start," Breivik said.
Brent has taught political science at SJSU for eight years and has been actively involved with the Academic Senate for five years.
"It's a very complex series of issues that the senate gets involved with," Breivik said. "And James really sets the tone for all of the faculty efforts as a senate and as interfacing with the president and the provost. Not a lot of people can be effective without stepping on someone's toes, but James gets things done and does it in a nice way."
Standing tall behind a podium in front of a room full of department-elected professors and administrators, Brent conducts the Academic Senate meetings with mediation and efficiency, with a concern for time and relevance.
"He's very good at running meetings," said Annette Nellen, the Academic Senate vice president and professor of accounting and finance.
"As chair(man), you really get exposure to the whole campus," Nellen said. "He also enjoys what he's doing, and is very dedicated to issues of the university."
Brent received his bachelor's dgree in advertising and political science from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX and a doctorate in political science from Ohio State University.
He said he likes to gamble and plays blackjack in Las Vegas.
"I'm not a high stakes gambler," smiles Brent, adding that he's never lost more than $100.
Brent grew up in Southern California, where he met his wife Darlene Amidon-Brent.
"He's so well-rounded," Amidon-Brent said. "He balances his personal and professional life so well."
In addition to senate chairman, Brent is also a tenured professor of political science and teaches one class.
"I really like San Jose State," Brent said. "I like my students, and I really enjoy the one class I teach."
Although the position of chairman of the Academic Senate can only be held for a maximum of two years, Brent said he thinks he'll continue teaching political science and has hopes of continued progress among the campus community.
"It seems like everyone is really interested in the welfare of this university," Brent said. "A lot of good people want to make this a better place."
