Smith-Schnelle Case Commentary

Collection — sc_box: MTU 1, Folder: 25

Identifier: MTU-066

Staff Only

Collection Scope and Content Summary

Commentary, 1969, by Dr. Milton O. Peach, a professor of engineering mechanics at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. A dispute arose between President Ray Smith and Dr. Kenneth Schnelle as to Dr. Schnelle's fitness to teach. Includes commentary and inter-office memorandums written by Dr. Milton O. Peach, a supporter of Dr. Schnelle, agitating against the secrecy of the proceedings, structures of universities, faculty work load, compensation policy and tenure policy. Also includes a request for observers and a list of proposed witnesses for the hearing before the Committee on Academic Tenure from the university's lawyers.

Dates

1969

Access

Available for use in the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections.

Biography

Dr. Kenneth E. Schnelle was a Professor of Economics and department head at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. A dispute between Dr. Schnelle and President Ray Smith resulted in a hearing before the Committee on Academic Tenure. President Smith apparently filed a formal complaint with the committee that accused Dr. Schnelle of being unfit to teach, grounds for dismissal of a tenured professor. While the proceedings remained confidential, the result was all charges were dropped against Dr. Schelle, he was awarded $28,050 and President Smith wrote a letter to Dr. Schnelle commending him for his many important services to the University. Dr. Schnelle resigned and accepted a position at the American University in Cairo, Egypt. Dr. Milton O. Peach was a Professor of Engineering Mechanics at Michigan Technological University and a supporter of Dr. Schnelle.