Leon TarverII, on Feb. 18, answered to circulating rumors about his seemingly suddenresignation from serving as president of the Southern University System. At apress conference held in the Board of Supervisors room of the administrativebuilding, he made public that he was stepping down as the head of thefive-campus system and returning to the classroom.
Last week, itwas reported that Tarver allegedly submitted a letter of resignation to systemchairman Johnny Anderson on Feb. 11. Both men denied the rumor that wascirculating the Southern University community. However, six days later on Feb.17, Tarver submitted an official resignation letter. His resignation iseffective June 30, at the end of the 2004-2005 fiscal year.
Tarver, 62,presided over the five campuses of the Southern University System: SouthernUniversity at New Orleans, Southern University and A&M College (BatonRouge), Southern University at Shreveport-Bossier City, Southern University LawCenter (Baton Rouge) and Southern University Agricultural and ResearchExtension Center (Baton Rouge). His tenure began in 1997 –making him thelongest-serving president of the Southern University System.
Referring tothe Mississippi River, which is visible on the back of the Baton Rouge campus,Tarver said he is constantly reminded of the trials Southern University hasbeen through and withheld over time alongside the bluff.
” When I seethat river I am reminded of the history of our institution and I am reminded(of) the fact that this great citadel of learning was once a slave plantationthat we have together converted into a wonderful place to educate anyone whowants to come and matriculate at our institution,” Tarver said.
“Ouruniversity has grown immeasurably over the years from that single institutionon the bluff across the state and I am proud to serve as president for theeight years here.”
SouthernUniversity was established in 1880 in New Orleans. It was later relocated toBaton Rouge in 1914. In later years, SUNO, SUSBO, SULC and the agriculturalcenter were developed, respectively.
Tarverbelieved it was his duty to formally thank everyone who helped him make histime at Southern University a success.
Former chancellorof Southern University-Shreveport Leonard Barnes was also Tarvers’ high schoolfootball coach and gave him advice about his position in the System.
“Coach Barnesinvited me over to his place across the street and he said, ‘Young man I knowyou want to do a lot; you got a lot of energy, you want to accomplish a lot butI want to remind you that there were presidents before you and there are goingto presidents after you — so you can’t do everything. Decide what you want todo and go on and do it,'” Tarver said.
DuringTarver’s tenure, the Southern University System has implemented new programs,and received a number of accolades and certifications. Reflecting upon this,Tarver feels he has done the System justice.
“Southern islarger, stronger, more stable, sturdy and has a great future,” Tarver said.
While choosingnot to preside over the Southern University System, Tarver still holds SU dearto his heart and will not leave it behind.
He will returnto his “academic home” and serve as a professor of public administration in theNelson Mandela School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs at SouthernUniversity-Baton Rouge.
“I lookforward more than anything else to being a professor again. The finest job Iever had in my life was being a professor,” Tarver said.
He wants tocontinue to aid the Southern University Museum of Art, which he helpedspearhead in March 2001 on the Baton Rouge campus, in obtaining art andartifacts.
“I have acommitment to start a museum on our behalf in the city of New Orleans tocomplete this great journey for us,” he said.
The museumhouses collections of African and American artwork. The Shreveport campusobtained a version of the museum in February 2002.
Tarver feelsthat his dedication to the university’s system runs deep.
“I feel that Ihave kept faith with our ancestors; kept faith with the mission of thisinstitution. I am a proud son of Southern University,” Tarver said.
Tarver’s tenure
Accomplishments from 1997-2005
1996 – 1997 — The SouthernUniversity System and Noel Levitz implemented programs that led to significantincreases in the retention rates on the various campuses within the SouthernUniversity System. Retention rate was ranked at 55.2 percent in 1996-1997. In2002-2003 it increased to 66.8 percent.
1997 — Developedan Audit Compliance and Tracking System that has been an effective managementtool for correcting audit complications within the Southern University Systemproducing the cleanest audit report in 25 years.
1997 – 2004 — Radiothonpledges exceeded $10,927,000.
1998 — A grant wasreceived for $3.3 million to expand Harding Boulevard., and was completed inNovember 2003.
1999 — The BatonRouge campus along the Mississippi River was designated as a National HistoricDistrict.
2000 — The NelsonMandela School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs began in honor of SouthAfrican President Nelson Mandela.
2000 — All programson all the Southern University campuses received 100 percent accreditation ofall Board of Regents’ mandatory programs. There are 63 mandated programsthroughout the system that are accredited.
2001 — TheSouthern University Museum of Art opened March 9.
2001 — TheSouthern University Law Center became the system’s fourth independent unitwithin the system.
2001 — Center forAgricultural Extension and Development was established to enhance the impact ofland-grant programs in Louisiana.
2002 — Graduationrates improved on all SU campuses from 1996-97 to 2002-03.
2002 — SouthernUniversity at New Orleans and Southern University, Baton Rouge scored “A” and”A+” in PRAXIS percentage rates.
2002 — The SouthernUniversity Museum of Art at Shreveport opened on Feb. 21.
2003 — TheMillennium Project began to create seven buildings throughout the System usinga $54 million bond.
2003 — Degreesconferred in the System increased 12.5 percent, from 2,110 in 1996-97 to 2,374in 2003-04.
2003 — The JaguarNation magazine began with a circulation of 10,000 copies.
2004 — The SouthernUniversity Law Center began offering part-time and evening programs.
— Southern University at BatonRouge implemented four new doctoral programs, three master’s degree programsand one bachelor’s degree.
— Southern University at NewOrleans implemented four master’s degree programs.
— The SU Systemled 21 Southeastern schools addressing South African institutions of higherlearning and assisting them.
– The SU system enhancedcommunication between its campuses by creating eight different advisory boards.
– The athletic facilities at SUBR improved scoreboards,Mumford Stadium, Marquee and Lee Hines Baseball Field.
