(00:00:01) Our Guest today on midday is dr. John be Davis Jr. Who is leaving as president of Macalester College at the end of this summer and taking on a new position as interim executive director of the Children's Theater Company in Minneapolis. Dr. Davis served at as McAllister president for nine years and for eight and a half years before that, he was superintendent of schools in Minneapolis. Dr. Davis assumes the Children's Theater Company position during perhaps the most stressful period in its 20-year history the founder and artistic director of the company John Clark Donahue has been dismissed after being charged with criminal sexual misconduct and other staff members at the school have been suspended as well. Dr. Davis. It appears from your history. Anyway that you don't shy away from adversity and this this may be one more instance of that when you assume the presidency at Macalester that institution was two million dollars in debt, and now you you take on a directorship of an institution that has been Very well respected in this community and across the nation and is undergoing some troubles. Now as a result of the incidents this summer, how do you work around those kinds of things? (00:01:09) Well, I guess we don't work around them. We work directly at them and attempt to get the issue out and deal with it directly. It's a very serious issue at the Children's Theater. But when I said we I meant those who are affiliated and associated in any way parents members of the board of directors and Friends of the theater have all rallied and have assured that in when the situation is cleared that great theater in school should be preserved and I shall be one of the instruments working to that end (00:01:40) should mention to our listeners that we will be taking questions today. The number in the Twin Cities to call is 2276 thousand. If you are calling from outside the metropolitan area, but from within the state of Minnesota, you can dial toll-free at We are talking today with dr. John be Davis jr. Who has recently been named interim executive director of the Children's Theater Company in Minneapolis. Of course on not only John Clark Donahue Matt. Serra Lawless has left the theater. Do you foresee a real change in the direction of the Children's Theater Company school with with with your tenure there now and possibly with the new executive director who was to be named next year. (00:02:26) I cannot speak specifically to that question. I'm sorry very sorry that Sarah Lawless has been lured back to Denver where she founded the theater which is called her back. She's a remarkable woman. I will succeed her and it will be my responsibility as the administrator to coordinate both the theater end and the school end and it will be I who reports to the board of directors in the period between now and September a number of special commission reports will be submitted to the board of directors on governance on educational program on parent involvement the board of directors, which is chaired by an Bartolo will examine those matters and make recommendation and set General policy and I will Implement that policy in terms of the theater and the dramatic part of the operation and the school as to whether it be specific or or unusual new design and pattern. I can't answer. I think the intent is to Or that what we do there is done in accordance with the very highest and finest standards. (00:03:32) In an interview that I read doubt that Macalester College had done with you on your out as you are leaving Macalester College, you did mention that you like to work with people and get input from staff members from students from parents. His that been a facet of your Administration in all of all of the jobs that you have held all the positions you've held your order. You see yourself as a sort of figurehead and setting direction for whatever institution you may happen to be leading. (00:04:02) Well, let me come at your question this way and then you may press me what I have discovered over 40 years of work is that I am best served in terms of accomplishing the mission of the institution for which I work by drawing upon the talents of those who have committed themselves to the institution knowledge and wisdom is not vested in any one person for all of the matters which are related to complex institutions. So I've been the beneficiary of wise counsel and Eyes from school committee from Boards of directors from governing boards. And from the staff it is obviously the responsibility of the chief administrative officer to make some judgments but to be able to collect a great deal of information advice and then make the decision has proven for me to be the best way to approach (00:04:52) with all of your experience though in both higher education and in public schools. Do you think that you will be able to offer some advice to the children to the Children's Theater board of directors and tell them how they might get off of the incidents that have occurred and move on (00:05:09) when yes, I do that may sound immodest but I think I do have some ideas but I want to remind you and the listening audience that the first thing we must do is complete the investigation. There will be a grand jury investigation. We are sorry that that's necessary but recognizing that it is we will be totally cooperative and supportive and as an Barca. The chair of the directors the board of directors has said let us get the facts out on the table and then they can be dealt with and they'll be dealt with quickly and promptly.