Leon Tarver II on Friday answered to circulating rumorsabout his seemingly sudden resignation from serving as president of theSouthern University System. At a press conference held in the Board ofSupervisors room of the administrative building, he made public that he wasstepping down as the head of the five-campus system and returning to theclassroom.
Last week, it was reported that Tarver allegedly submitted aletter of resignation to system chairman Johnny Anderson on Feb. 11. Both mendenied the rumor that was circulating the Southern University community.However, six days later on Feb. 17, Tarver submitted an official resignationletter. His resignation is effective June 30, at the end of the 2004-2005fiscal year.
Tarver, 62, presided over the five campuses of the SouthernUniversity System: Southern University at New Orleans, Southern University andA&M College (Baton Rouge), Southern University at Shreveport-Bossier City,Southern University Law Center (Baton Rouge) and Southern UniversityAgricultural and Research Extension Center (Baton Rouge). His tenure began in1997 -making him the longest-serving president of the Southern UniversitySystem.
Referring to the Mississippi River, which is visible on theback of the Baton Rouge campus, Tarver said he is constantly reminded of thetrials Southern University has been through and withheld over time alongsidethe bluff.
” When I see that river I am reminded of the history of ourinstitution and I am reminded (of) the fact that this great citadel of learningwas once a slave plantation that we have together converted into a wonderfulplace to educate anyone who wants to come and matriculate at our institution,”Tarver said.
“Our university has grown immeasurably over the years fromthat single institution on the bluff across the state and I am proud to serveas president for the eight years here.”
Southern University wasestablished in 1880 in New Orleans. It was later relocated to Baton Rouge in1914. In later years, SUNO, SUSBO, SULC and the agricultural center weredeveloped, respectively.
Tarver believed it was his duty to formally thank everyonewho helped him make his time at Southern University a success.
Former Chancellor of Southern University-Shreveport LeonardBarnes was also Tarvers’ high school football coach and gave him advice abouthis position in the System.
“Coach Barnes invited me over to his place across the streetand he said, ‘Young man I know you want to do a lot; you got a lot of energy,you want to accomplish a lot but I want to remind you that there werepresidents before you and there are going to presidents after you – so youcan’t do everything. Decide what you want to do and go on and do it,'” Tarversaid.
During Tarver’s tenure, the Southern University System hasimplemented new programs, and received a number of accolades andcertifications. Reflecting upon this, Tarver feels he has done the Systemjustice.
“Southern is larger, stronger, more stable, sturdy and has agreat future,” Tarver said.
While choosing not to preside over the Southern UniversitySystem, Tarver still holds SU dear to his heart and will not leave it behind.
He will return to his “academic home” and serve as a professorof public administration in the Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy andUrban Affairs at Southern University-Baton Rouge.
“I look forward more than anything else to being a professoragain. The finest job I ever had in my life was being a professor,” Tarversaid.
He wants to continue to aid the Southern University Museumof Art, which he helped spearhead in March 2001 on the Baton Rouge campus, inobtaining art and artifacts.
“I have a commitment to start a museum on our behalf in thecity of New Orleans to complete this great journey for us,” he said.
The museum houses collections of African and Americanartwork. The Shreveport campus obtained a version of the museum in February2002.
Tarver feels that his dedication to the university’s systemruns deep.
“I feel that I have kept faith with our ancestors; keptfaith with the mission of this institution. I am a proud son of SouthernUniversity,” Tarver said.
