You are referencing a quote from 6 years ago. In the interim, TS made tremendous progress in hiring faculty and closing the salary discrepancy with peer institutions ( as was probably her agenda with this quote.) She was didn’t handle PR well (see Rolling Stone fiasco) and as an advocate for UVa alumni and student body but made significant strides with the faculty.
Back to the original argument - a comparison based on the number of degrees being granted in the sciences is a curious one. Just because degrees are bestowed that doesn’t speak to their quality only their quantity.
As an aside, I am beyond excited to have started the Jim Ryan era at UVa. This quote just reminded me why…