Earlier this week, the state College Board announced it had selected former Norfolk State University President Carolyn Meyers as Jackson State’s potential new leader and Fisk University Vice President Christopher Brown was the suggested choice to take the lead at Alcorn State.
The two preferred candidates will take the helm of these two institutions in January 2011, providing all goes well when they visit their respective campuses next week.
Both face serious budget challenges and are expected to have to make serious recommendations that could include cuts in staff and possibly programs. “Dr. Meyers has experience in making cuts, her management style and expertise in the areas of handling budget shortfalls and cuts, makes her the perfect candidate,” said Bob Owens, a trustee for IHL and board search committee chair for JSU.
The Mississippi Link wanted to know what graduates thought of the process as we prepare for the arrivals of the new presidents.
Dr. Mark Hardy, dean of the College of Science Engineering and Technology and chair of the campus advisory committee for the presidential search said the process was not only open but it was fair. “Everyone had an opportunity to give input. This selection process was above board and I think the board has made a great decision. We are ready for Dr. Meyers to begin,” Hardy said.
Local attorney and JSU graduate Deshun Martin, who also served on the search committee, echoed Hardy’s position. “The board has been completely open and honest throughout this entire process. Dr. Meyers is just what our university need, someone who understands our mission of educating some of the most underserved students,” Martin said. “She is in touch with the climate of HBCUs.
Derek Henson who graduated from JSU in 1991 and received an additional degree from there in 2009 said, I’m excited about both picks. I also want to encourage everyone to stop passing judgment and get the facts on Dr. Meyers. Henson, who serves as a national officer with the National Alumni Association resides in Memphis responded to our request for comment via facebook.
Marilyn H. Reed, a 1990 graduate of Alcorn State University said, “ I am excited about a person leading the university who not only attended an HBCU but who also attended a land grant institution. I believe these experiences will help him lead the university because he understands who we are and what we do. I continue to be disappointed with the process. I would like to know who else applied for the position and why they were not selected. This is a disservice to the students and alumni.”
When asked by The Mississippi Link if any serious consideration was given to graduates of either one of the schools, IHL Board Trustee C.D. Smith, who chaired the search for Alcorn said, “While we would have loved for someone who graduated from Alcorn to be our preferred candidate of choice to lead this institution, it really came down to who was the better fit. I can speak with honesty and certainty that at the end of the day all those involved in the process wanted what and who was best for Alcorn and we believe Dr. Brown is that person.”
Ramel Cotton, a 1997 graduate of Alcorn, said he’s somewhat disappointed in the process. “I think the process has some flaws. While I understand the desire and need to hold the name of the candidates close as to not reveal them because of pending situations, however, this presents little involvement from alumni and the community,” Cotton said. “Additionally, it has happened before that the committee spends weeks and sometimes even months pouring through paperwork and other documents to find the best candidate and their recommendations are not even considered nor in the top tier of folk to be considered.” Cotton, who is a past vice president of the national alumni association for Alcorn, has served on previous search committees. “This happened when Dr. Bristow was named president of Alcorn and he was not our choice. While he did a wonderful job as president, he had to overcome immediate resentment from some and I think it is unfair to the presidents.”
Both candidates will visit their respective campuses next week.
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