Former Interim Provost, Dr. Michael Moore
5/25/2007Â
 Folks:
Here’s tribute to Dr. Michael Moore, a very student-centered individual and a very dear friend of mine and my family.
I first met Mike through my late father, Sandy Ewan, some years ago when I was a graduate student and Papi was a consultant to the University as Executive Director of the Bison Booster Club. I have come to know him better over the years. When he was selected to serve as Provost on an interim basis, I was thrilled for his opportunity to be a high-level administrator.
When the protests intensified last fall and he was thrust into uncharted territory and a spfor themselves. otlight was trained on him. I was very impressed with his candor and professionalism. Even though he was the Provost, he still received much respect and admiration from the protesters. The integrity of the Office of the Provost was often questioned and challenged before Mike’s arrival. Suffice to say, Mike received a ‘crash course’ in very much elevated levels of crisis management, enlightening negotiations, the politics of media relations, and having an expanded experience on interpersonal relations among many other features in administration and supervision.
Whenever I came to the campus to be with the protesters, I saw Mike mingling with the protesters, treating them with the respect they deserved. Talking with them, engaging in something we’ve heard over these months: DIALOGUE. I remember being at a rally in the Student Activities Center (SAC), the protest leadership recognized him as an administrator who truly cared and someone who actually listened to the message. The end result? A thunderous applause and show of waving hands. I was amazed with the response. Not only that, during Mike’s tenure as the Provost, I have had conversations with many alumni friends and colleagues … they were very impressed with Mike’s candor, professionalism, and dedication. On Homecoming Day, Mike was on campus, even though the University summarily cancelled the event, mingling with the alumni *and* the protesters. At a GUAA event in Austin, Texas recently, he was well-received by the alumni down there. Friends of mine living in the Austin area told me how much they appreciated having him down there to be with them.
When Papi was in the hospital recuperating from heart surgery, I brought David Simmons with me as he wanted to visit with him. At that time, David was dangerously close to further complications during his hunger strike. Mike was already visiting with him when we arrived. We chatted for a while. As we were about to leave, Mike pulled David aside into the hallway and asked him how he was doing especially with the hunger strike and some symptoms were described, Mike did not give him a lecture instead he educated David further on how the body reacts when nutrition is unavailable. Just like a professor.
He actually takes the time to come to the Marketplace in the SAC on a daily basis whenever possible to interact with faculty, staff, and most importantly, students. Sometimes I showed up at the Marketplace and I often bumped into Mike over there.
I also had the privilege of being part of a program at the Northern Virginia Association for the Deaf (NVAD) some months ago where I gave a presentation about relay services and Mike was presenting after me. He did not talk about Gallaudet. He spoke about Thomas Alva Edison and the audience was very much mesmerized with his knowledge about Edison as if he knew him on a personal basis, including myself.
For the students who will be taking classes under Mike this coming fall, consider themselves privileged to have him as their professor. For the faculty who will be welcoming back one of their own, consider themselves privileged to have him back in the ranks because he will be able to provide enlightening perspectives based on his enriched administrative experience in uncharted waters. For those who know Mike on a personal and professional basis, consider themselves privileged and honored to be associated with a man of his style. I know I am.
If I was ever asked what I thought of his work as an interim Provost, I will say without reservations that he restored respect, dignity, and integrity to the Office of the Provost.
Without further ado, folks, let’s give a show of hands-wave for Mike and thank him for restoring the Office of the Provost to the way it should be viewed in academia … honorable and valued.
K-
Karl A. Ewan
Reprinted with the permission of the author.
Â
Commentary: Certainly Dr Moore was given a difficult job during one of the most trying period, if not the most,  in Gallaudet history. During the protest, he was seen among the students in all hours, often in miserable weather, patiently listening to them and conferring with them, without any indication of paternalism or condescension, something Dr Fernandes was frequently accused of by some students.  Immediately, he earned the respect and confidence of the protesters, some who even commented that in the short provost term  he showed not only his face, but also his concern to the students more often than Fernandes had done in the whole six years as a provost. Great job, Dr Michael Moore!Â
If you want to make any positive tribute or recognition to any Deaf person, please feel free to contact me at mishkazena@aol.com.  We definitely need more positive spotlight on Deaf people and their accomplishments! MZ
PS. To prevent any possible misunderstanding regarding my invitation for more positive spotlight on Deaf people,  I want to elaborate further. I don’t see the recent vlogs of Joey Baer, DE, Barb DiGi and others “cyberbullying” and “negative attacks” on deaf leaders. Instead, they are promoting advocacy to improve the deplorable deaf education and living conditions facing the average ASL-using Deaf. There is nothing wrong with Deaf people advocating for themselves by speaking the truth.
Why is this recent empowerment trend in the Deaf Community threatening to some people? I find this very odd. Could it be that they don’t want to see Deaf people empowering themselves? hmmm…….. MZ
Mishkazena (TM) 2007
e mail contact: Mishkazena@aol.com
5/25/2007Â
 Folks:
Here’s tribute to Dr. Michael Moore, a very student-centered individual and a very dear friend of mine and my family.
I first met Mike through my late father, Sandy Ewan, some years ago when I was a graduate student and Papi was a consultant to the University as Executive Director of the Bison Booster Club. I have come to know him better over the years. When he was selected to serve as Provost on an interim basis, I was thrilled for his opportunity to be a high-level administrator.
When the protests intensified last fall and he was thrust into uncharted territory and a spfor themselves. otlight was trained on him. I was very impressed with his candor and professionalism. Even though he was the Provost, he still received much respect and admiration from the protesters. The integrity of the Office of the Provost was often questioned and challenged before Mike’s arrival. Suffice to say, Mike received a ‘crash course’ in very much elevated levels of crisis management, enlightening negotiations, the politics of media relations, and having an expanded experience on interpersonal relations among many other features in administration and supervision.
Whenever I came to the campus to be with the protesters, I saw Mike mingling with the protesters, treating them with the respect they deserved. Talking with them, engaging in something we’ve heard over these months: DIALOGUE. I remember being at a rally in the Student Activities Center (SAC), the protest leadership recognized him as an administrator who truly cared and someone who actually listened to the message. The end result? A thunderous applause and show of waving hands. I was amazed with the response. Not only that, during Mike’s tenure as the Provost, I have had conversations with many alumni friends and colleagues … they were very impressed with Mike’s candor, professionalism, and dedication. On Homecoming Day, Mike was on campus, even though the University summarily cancelled the event, mingling with the alumni *and* the protesters. At a GUAA event in Austin, Texas recently, he was well-received by the alumni down there. Friends of mine living in the Austin area told me how much they appreciated having him down there to be with them.
When Papi was in the hospital recuperating from heart surgery, I brought David Simmons with me as he wanted to visit with him. At that time, David was dangerously close to further complications during his hunger strike. Mike was already visiting with him when we arrived. We chatted for a while. As we were about to leave, Mike pulled David aside into the hallway and asked him how he was doing especially with the hunger strike and some symptoms were described, Mike did not give him a lecture instead he educated David further on how the body reacts when nutrition is unavailable. Just like a professor.
He actually takes the time to come to the Marketplace in the SAC on a daily basis whenever possible to interact with faculty, staff, and most importantly, students. Sometimes I showed up at the Marketplace and I often bumped into Mike over there.
I also had the privilege of being part of a program at the Northern Virginia Association for the Deaf (NVAD) some months ago where I gave a presentation about relay services and Mike was presenting after me. He did not talk about Gallaudet. He spoke about Thomas Alva Edison and the audience was very much mesmerized with his knowledge about Edison as if he knew him on a personal basis, including myself.
For the students who will be taking classes under Mike this coming fall, consider themselves privileged to have him as their professor. For the faculty who will be welcoming back one of their own, consider themselves privileged to have him back in the ranks because he will be able to provide enlightening perspectives based on his enriched administrative experience in uncharted waters. For those who know Mike on a personal and professional basis, consider themselves privileged and honored to be associated with a man of his style. I know I am.
If I was ever asked what I thought of his work as an interim Provost, I will say without reservations that he restored respect, dignity, and integrity to the Office of the Provost.
Without further ado, folks, let’s give a show of hands-wave for Mike and thank him for restoring the Office of the Provost to the way it should be viewed in academia … honorable and valued.
K-
Karl A. Ewan
Reprinted with the permission of the author.
Â
Commentary: Certainly Dr Moore was given a difficult job during one of the most trying period, if not the most,  in Gallaudet history. During the protest, he was seen among the students in all hours, often in miserable weather, patiently listening to them and conferring with them, without any indication of paternalism or condescension, something Dr Fernandes was frequently accused of by some students.  Immediately, he earned the respect and confidence of the protesters, some who even commented that in the short provost term  he showed not only his face, but also his concern to the students more often than Fernandes had done in the whole six years as a provost. Great job, Dr Michael Moore!Â
If you want to make any positive tribute or recognition to any Deaf person, please feel free to contact me at mishkazena@aol.com.  We definitely need more positive spotlight on Deaf people and their accomplishments! MZ
PS. To prevent any possible misunderstanding regarding my invitation for more positive spotlight on Deaf people,  I want to elaborate further. I don’t see the recent vlogs of Joey Baer, DE, Barb DiGi and others “cyberbullying” and “negative attacks” on deaf leaders. Instead, they are promoting advocacy to improve the deplorable deaf education and living conditions facing the average ASL-using Deaf. There is nothing wrong with Deaf people advocating for themselves by speaking the truth.
Why is this recent empowerment trend in the Deaf Community threatening to some people? I find this very odd. Could it be that they don’t want to see Deaf people empowering themselves? hmmm…….. MZ
Mishkazena (TM) 2007
e mail contact: Mishkazena@aol.com
June 1st, 2007 at 11:12 am
Where did you get this impression that Joey, Dave, Barb DiGi and others being cyberbullers?
I didn’t see that – I must have missed that? Unless you are referring to Richard?
Handswaving to Karl for writing a nice tribute to Dr. Michael Moore (dang his name for making me think of the Other Michael Moore from Flint, MI!!)!!
June 1st, 2007 at 11:33 am
Prof. Dr. Michael Moore is truly a noble man and a profile of courage. I have known Dr. Moore since he and I were colleagues at NWC. He genuinely respects human beings and has a genuine concern for the welfare of students. By nature, he is very kind to people. He has been known as a man of grace, class, and style. That is what a noble man is all about. (His professional integrity has never been questionable.) This is the legacy of Prof. Dr. Michael Moore. I salute you, Prof. Moore!
Jean Boutcher
June 1st, 2007 at 11:54 am
Dr. Michael Moore was my Chemistry professor. A genuinely warm human being and yes, despite my limited Math skills, I learned a little bit about Chemistry!
Thank you, Dr. Moore, for holding steadfast during those turbulent times at Gallaudet.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Iammine, yup, Richard, who else? He had in the past refused to publish my comment, so this time I’m leaving a comment in my blog for all to read.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Mishkazena,
Double thanks to you for posting a positive spotlight on Dr. Moore and for clarifying us vloggers’ intentions.
First, about Dr. Moore— YES!! He is the genuine human being and wonderful leader Karl describes him! When I flew to D.C. to support the protest for the 2nd time (in October), Dr. Moore greeted us warmly and was very “centered”. I could believe that Gallaudet wasn’t going to fall apart at the seams just because Dr. Moore was there. He is indeed among the heroes of 2006 (and our lifetime, as well!)
As for our community’s empowerment… some days I have to remind myself to be patient and stay focused on the big picture. It ain’t easy, but with posts like yours, it helps a lot.
To our Deaf community’s future!
DE
June 1st, 2007 at 1:03 pm
I join you in our gratitude in Dr. Moore. I do not know him, but he has a way to make me feel like I have known him.
We met several occasions during the protest when I came to Gallaudet to help with the protest twice.
Every time we talked, I have this sensation that he was trustworthy, caring, concerned, and a friend for all.
I have seen him quite emotional being so worried about us, the protesters, than the directives he received from the long-gone adminstration.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Thumbs up to Karl and Moore. Thanks for sharing.
June 1st, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Yes.. Michael Moore was one of perfect example for student centered. I don’t know him personally but I had watched him. He tried his entire best to do what was best for the students. I truly respect for him.
I received some comment makers saying that Barb, Teri, Joey, and DE are cyberbullyers, track people’s ip numbers and hack their computers. I refused to publish them since I don’t agree the idea of defaming others. Even though some of them and I disagree but they are not cyberbullyers at all… It is ok for people to agree or disagree. They can express their belief, and philosophy as long as they respect each other..
Aidan
June 1st, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Don’t forget that Dr. Moore did the responsible thing and investigated why the cafeteria was closed for no reason during the protest. Compare that with Jordan flippantly saying that the diabetic students should go to the Health Center to if they can’t find food to eat.
June 1st, 2007 at 11:37 pm
former? not yet till june 30th…
June 2nd, 2007 at 1:15 am
Never had the honor of knowing Dr Michael Moore. He sounds like an outstanding man who withstood the firestorm of the Fernades Protest and King Jordan’s misconducts. He left with dignity and left a wonderful legacy.
As for Richard – of course he took everything what DE, Joey, and Barb said out of context. We all knew what they were talking about – systematic audism. Yes, there are some deaf audists, but that was not what these vloggers were talking about – they were talking about the system itself. We need to break ground and peek into who is the system…
June 2nd, 2007 at 7:30 am
DE, you are welcome. It’s important that people understand what you and other vloggers are attempting to do.
Aidan and Jay, I knew Moore as a colleague, but never saw this side of him toward the students. For sure, his heart was in the right place.
Brian, yes, Moore intervened when Jordan ordered the cafeteria closed and got it operating, avoiding potential disastrous health consequences.
Vans, you are correct. Technically his job doesn’t end until the end of this month. However, seeing that Weiner has already started his responsibilities, it does feel his job has been done.
Cy, Richard Rhoem is, hmm, let’s say, an interesting person. I get the impression he doesn’t see the system audistic at all.
June 2nd, 2007 at 7:58 am
Well said, Karl!
I was with Dr Moore at the Florida Gate chatting when one of the protesters read the pager message saying that Chris Corrigan, Tara Holcomb, Tim Rarus were arrested… the look on Dr. Moore’s face was full of fear, shock, sadness. He cried in our shoulders, hugged all of us and told us to remain calm. He renmained with the Fla gate protesters to talk to them about the arrests, while it was all going on at the 6th ave gate.
Another stellar example of Dr. Moore’s kindness is he came to the hunger strike tent to visit me and others, very often, and worried about our safety and health. He gave me warm, warm hugs and told me that Gallaudet is never going to be the same, but a much, much better place.
Funny, we wanted Jane to come visit us in the last 11 days of the hunger strike. Not one word from her, not a note, not a visit.
Ane some people say we should have given Jane another chance? No way.
Dr. Moore was/is the epitome of what a Provost and a good person should be.
Happy Trails, Dr. M.
Christine Roschaert
Class of 06
June 2nd, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Who was wise to hire Dr. Moore as an internim Provost?
Dr. Moore was so sweet as I saw him in one of the videos. I am glad he is well respected.
June 2nd, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Absolutely correct all above of comments that I agreed about Michael Moore! He is indeed a great guy, who has his excellent compassionate to give our positive sentiments during the protests.
I recalled him when I first saw him during the conovaction for freshmen during NSO when I enrolled my first year at Gallaudet during the fall semester. It was difficult to transiting my college life from NTID to Gallaudet. I entered Hall Memorial Building for math class in the first class morning. Mike, my friend, and I first encountered and briefly talked each other. I found him very lighting and warming person ever I met. Then I knew I will be more merrier through Gallaudet years.
Until he became an interim provost, I was amazing to see how he took his responsiblity to manage the positive way toward the protestors. He should get a purple heart medal to be reward for his best effort. VIVA Michael Moore!
By the way, I enjoyed Karl Ewan’s article that inspired me positively and to honor his father’s rewarding for Gallaudet’s behalf. Thank you, Karl!
Nick
June 2nd, 2007 at 11:23 pm
Way to go, Karl! I’m impressed. Thank you for sharing.
I had met Michael Moore once when he was visiting and having a dinner with my husband, me and one of our friends in Washington state where we lived a few years ago. Michael was very warm and friendly.
When my husband became an instructor of the dental lab technican at the Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf in Texas in the early 1980′s, Michael the professor of this college at this time took time to help him establish the new program which later had been expaned. Michael also helped him develope new curricilums.
We wish him best of luck as he continues his professional at Gallaudet.
Richard & Lisa Covell
June 3rd, 2007 at 1:17 pm
OT: I’m getting caught up on what’s up at Gallaudet, but I’m confused about one thing. I read that Dr. Davila has been installed as the 9th President, but is he still an intrim president and leaving in 18 months or so?
June 3rd, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Yes, he was installed as the 9th President even though he is the Interim and will be leaving between 18 and 24 months. Apparently Davila feels he would be more effective if the Interim is removed from his official position, according to several sources.
June 6th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
I am humbly blessed that I know Michael Moore even thought I never went to Gallaudet. He knows my wife when he worked in Texas years ago.
He is such a friendly and very warm. What an amazin’ guy he is!
Thank Mishka Zena for publishing Karl’s heartfelt praise on Michael Moore.