Collectively (not individually), IMHO the professors are to blame.
Just like many other 'nerd' professions (engineers, programmers, doctors), taking positions of power is uninteresting, even when offered, because the scientific/technical/mathematical problem at hand is significantly more interesting then wielding power. This is where the alpha male professional manager come in and offers himself to manage the show , and the nerds are only too happy to delegate that responsibility. Over a period of years/decades the transition of power is complete and the professors end up being the underdogs.
Just like many other 'nerd' professions (engineers, programmers, doctors), taking positions of power is uninteresting, even when offered, because the scientific/technical/mathematical problem at hand is significantly more interesting then wielding power. This is where the alpha male professional manager come in and offers himself to manage the show , and the nerds are only too happy to delegate that responsibility. Over a period of years/decades the transition of power is complete and the professors end up being the underdogs.