Criticism Grows Over Provost Joining Nike Board

Phyllis Wise, provost of the University of Washington, is facing growing criticism for joining the board of Nike, The Seattle Times reported. Wise and university officials note that it is common for higher education administrators to serve on corporate boards and that they can use these positions to encourage responsible business decisions. But critics say that because the university has a large (and, in some quarters, controversial) contract with Nike, the appointment constitutes a conflict of interest.