Scott Kunselman’s Farewell
May 21, 2020
- Among the many inconveniences and disadvantages of remote working is that many of us have not had an opportunity to spend some time with Scott before he leaves Oakland University.
- As we all know, the time from when someone announces he’s leaving and the time he leaves is a transition and a time for perspective…and a time for appreciation.
- On behalf of Oakland University, Scott, I want to thank you for your dedication and all that you’ve done for Oakland University.
- Your four-and-a-half years of service is greatly appreciated and valued, and you will be missed.
- On behalf of Oakland University, Scott, I want to thank you for your dedication and all that you’ve done for Oakland University.
- During our nearly three years working together, I have valued Scott’s advice, experience and passion.
- I’ve appreciated Scott’s analytical, careful and thorough approach to problem-solving, and the way he always tries to make our institution of higher education a better place.
- I’ve appreciated Scott’s analytical, careful and thorough approach to problem-solving, and the way he always tries to make our institution of higher education a better place.
- His contributions have been critical to helping Oakland identify and manage potential growth areas, including overseeing designs for new construction and building renovations.
He has been at the center of the day-to-day management that impacts the campus infrastructure, facilities management, finance and administration, and strategic growth.
- Months after he assumed the COO role, he told OU Magazine: “My goal is to understand and eliminate the roadblocks that people experience on the service side of the business.”
His focus never changed.
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- He often described himself as “an employee like everyone else,” and took pride in being a catalyst behind the success.
His behind-the-scenes work was vital in the success of OU’s Leadership Academy, and in pushing for a more equitable pay scale.
- He often described himself as “an employee like everyone else,” and took pride in being a catalyst behind the success.
- Those of us who worked side-by-side with Scott have appreciated his friendly manner and his insistence on not backing away from a bold or innovative solution.
There is much we can learn by thinking innovatively, and acting boldly. - So today, we say a formal thank you and farewell to you, Scott, and we hope that you will think fondly of your days here as you spend time pursuing your many interests….
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- …refurbishing old pick-up trucks and cars,
- enjoying sunsets on the porch of your home in Glen Arbor,
- visiting your children in Florida, Chicago and San Diego,
- and refining your taste in wine and building back that wine cellar that has been depleted during the shelter-at-home period.
Please join with me in thanking Scott for his commitment to OU, and for his years of hard work and service.
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BACKGROUND
After serving as an OU trustee, Scott was appointed to COO in October of 2015 by then-OU President George W. Hynd. He came to OU from Fiat Chrysler Group, where he held the positions of Senior Vice President, Purchasing and Supplier Quality, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Product Development, and Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs.