The student forum regarding the chancellor search was held Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 3:00 p.m. in the Cotillion Ballroom located in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union at the request of Ralph Slaughter, Southern University System president.
Purchasing Director Linda Antoine, member of the committee, expressed why she thought it was important to not only have input from the faculty and staff, but also students.
“It will allow the committee to hear the concerns of the students and have the opportunity to relay these concerns to the candidates,” said Antoine.
She was not the only member that thought this way. Many felt the students should be taking a more active role in this selection process.
“I think we have an intelligent student body, and I think it is good to have them involved in a meaningful way. This is their school, and they should have an interest in the university,” said Donald Wade, immediate past president of the Southern Alumni Federation.
Less than 20 students were in attendance. Many students entered, but left after staying briefly.
Slaughter mentioned that Carey Ash, president of the Student Government Association, was absent due to a conference in Washington, D.C. In addition, many other student leaders were absent, including SGA Vice-President Channing Blake and Miss Southern University Jasmine Smutherman who also serves as a member of the committee. No reason was made public regarding the reason for their absence.
The concerns from the students present were consistent with much of the same concerns that were presented at the faculty and staff forum. Those concerns included customer service, vision and leadership from the front.
“We can’t keep going in the same direction with the same leadership. With inside leadership, you get inside ideas. We need to think outside the box,” said Jerry Jones, a senior political science major from Alexandria. “We need a chancellor that is not going to stay in their office on the back of campus.”
Many students also were concerned that this lack of leadership from the highest levels made it hard to get direction from the subordinate offices that should be dealing with the students.
“When students run into a roadblock, no one knows what to tell you to do. Being at Southern teaches you how to survive, because if you don’t have the determination, you won’t graduate,” said Goldie Davenport, a graduate of Southern.
At the conclusion of the meeting, many committee members seemed concerned with the turnout of the student body and some even mentioned the lack of attendance displayed by the faculty at the previous meeting.
“Where are the students? The students should not complain when the turnout is not their way when they could have brought their concerns. Both the students and faculty should not have anything to say if they did not bring ideas to the table,” said Linda Johnson, president of the Board of Secondary and Elementary Education and committee member.
Although Slaughter cited his concern with the lack of turnout, he asserted that the ideas presented were still very useful and made abundantly clear that objectivity will be utilized in selecting the next chancellor.
“I appreciate the students that did come out to participate, because they made a lot of valid points. This search is open, transparent and inclusive, which is given to all by the opportunity to participate and be involved,” said Slaughter.
The committee website chancellorsearch.sus.edu indicates that the deadline for applications is Feb. 28. The selection process will continue until late April when the committee is anticipating making their final decision.
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Students share role for selecting next SUBR Chancellor
February 22, 2008
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