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South Carolina State University Board Chairman Maurice Washington spoke to the Rotary Club of Orangeburg about the university’s presidential search and its future, and offered kind words about former trustee Charles Williams.
“Personally, we adore each other,” Washington said of Williams.
Washington said Tuesday he wanted to dispel the notion that he and Williams are on bad terms after the board’s removal of former S.C. State President Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr. last December. The vote to oust Hugine prompted both Williams and Col. John Bowden to resign from the board in protest.
Washington called Williams a wonderful, passionate individual.
While they have not spoken in months, Williams said he is glad for the kind words from Washington. While he said there is no personal animosity between them, he still believes the board made the wrong decision when it removed Hugine.
“Do I dislike him as a person? No. Do I think he’s a good chairman? No,” Williams said.
Washington told Rotary Club members that the presidential search committee, which he also chairs, will invite 10 candidates to campus this weekend for interviews. Soon after that, the committee is expected to announce a list of at least three finalists with a new president being appointed in June.
He also said the university plans to make a huge announcement soon regarding its relationship with late James Brown.
Washington touted S.C. State as a world-class fiscal engine, saying the university has $100 million available for construction and restoration projects.
In the short term, he said S.C. State’s top priorities are managing an anticipated increase in enrollment and improving its academic programs.
Washington also took the time to acknowledge his fellow trustees’ competence and dedication to the university.
“They are wonderful folks,” he said. He also lauded interim President Dr. Leonard McIntyre for his leadership during a time of transition for the university.
The S.C. State board chairman also fielded a few questions from Rotary Club members regarding state Sen. John Matthews’ bill to reconfigure the board and the progress on the James E. Clyburn Transportation Center.
Washington said that Matthews’ has the right to introduce that legislation, calling him a fine man.
Matthews’ bill would allow the S.C. State University Alumni Association to choose three of the university’s trustees, with lawmakers electing nine others and the governor appointing one.
Currently, lawmakers choose 12 of the university’s trustees and the governor appoints one.
Last week, the bill passed through a Senate panel and could reach the floor this week for a vote.
As for the Clyburn Transportation Center, Washington said he hopes construction will start very soon.
T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by e-mail at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060.