S.C. State names finalists for president
By LEE TANT, T&D Staff WriterWednesday, April 23, 2008South Carolina State University has released the names of five finalists who are vying to become the university’s 10th president.
The finalists, whose names were released Tuesday, range from a official with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., to a vice president at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
The finalists are Dr. Juanita Fain, Dr. Lawrence Davenport, Dr. George E. Cooper, Dr, Juliette B. Bell and Dr. Johnson O. Akinleye.
S.C. State Trustee Lumus Byrd has said he expects the candidates to visit campus next week to meet stakeholders of the university. Following that, the presidential search committee will select three candidates to submit to the university’s board for consideration.
The committee has set a target date of July 1 for the new president to be in place. Byrd said the process is moving along smoothly and reaching that target date should not be a problem.
The committee started the nationwide search for former President Dr. Andrew Hugine’s replacement in early January. The board decided to not renew Hugine’s contract last December and tapped Dr. Leonard McIntyre to be the interim president.
A look at each of the finalists:
Dr. Johnson O. Akinleye was the only finalist the Times and Democrat was able to reach by telephone.
Akinleye said his broad academic background has prepared him to take over the presidential reins at S.C. State. “I have the skills and know-how to bring various constituencies at the academic institution together,” he said. He is currently the associate vice chancellor for academic programs at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington.
During his 20 years in higher education, he has served as vice president at Edward Waters College and Bethune-Cookman College. In addition, he was a dean and department chair at Bethune-Cookman.
He earned his doctorate in organizational communication from Howard University.
Akinleye says he has experience in program planning, strategic planning, fund-raising and accreditation. S.C. State is up for reaccreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 2010.
He says the ultimate goal of an institution should be to contribute on a local and national level.
The hallmark of an Akinleye administration would be to create an institution that is on the cutting edge, competitive, fiscally strong and diverse, he said.
In his spare time, Akinleye enjoys reading, traveling and coaching his son’s local high school soccer team.
Dr. Lawrence Davenport is interim president of the Paragon Foundation in West Palm Beach, Fla. The foundation seeks to help African-American businesses in the greater Miami community.
Davenport resigned as chief operating officer of Florida Atlantic University last April. He served one year of a six-year contract there, saying that a planned long-term capital campaign conflicted with his goal of becoming a university president.
FAU gave Davenport nearly $580,000 in severance pay, according to a Palm Beach Post article in January. While a state lawmaker complained about the severance package, university officials said they paid out to avoid legal action, according to the article.
Davenport’s original job at FAU was executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Prior to that, he served as executive director of the Hale House Center Inc. in New York, deputy chief administrative officer for the U.S. House of Representatives, vice president of finance and operations for the Milton Hershey School and chief financial officer for the Seattle Public School system.
He also served as assistant secretary of education for the U.S. Department of Education under two separate secretaries.
Davenport was a finalist for the presidency of Florida A&M University.
He earned his doctorate from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
n Dr. George E. Cooper is the deputy administrator for Science and Education Resources Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
He served in several capacities with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the past 13 years. He was vice president of academic affairs at Alabama A&M University and dean of animal science at Tuskegee University.
Cooper is a graduate of Florida A&M University and received his master’s degree from Tuskegee University. In 1972, he earned his doctorate in animal nutrition from Illinois University.
Dr. Juanita Fain is interim vice president for student affairs at the University of Nevada - Las Vegas.
Fain has a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Tennessee and a doctorate in higher education administration from Ohio University.
During her 35 years in higher education, she has served in an array of administrative positions at Morristown College, the University of Tennessee and Ohio University.
At both Ohio University and UNLV, Fain has managed enrollment and helped prepare underclassmen for the rigors of college life. McIntyre has sought to dramatically improve those areas for an expected spike in enrollment this coming fall.
Dr. Juliette Bell is provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina.
She has also served as an interim dean at Fayetteville State. During her tenure there in 1992, she has accumulated more than $6 million in research grants.
Bell received a myriad of teaching awards and acknowledgements before moving into administration in 2004.
She completed her undergraduate work at Talladega College and has a doctorate in chemistry from Atlanta University.
T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by e-mail at ltant@times anddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060. Discuss this and other stories at TheTandD.com.
abattiste wrote on Apr 29, 2008 11:50 PM:
Challenge wrote on Apr 28, 2008 4:15 PM:
Look, Dr. Andrew Hugine was, In my opinion, one of the best college presidents in the HBCU System. What made him great was his love for SCSCU. Everyone makes mistakes and I have no idea as to why he was terminated, but he will be missed.
For those of you who did not know, Dr. Hugine was an instructor at SCSCU for many years and moved up through the ranks to achieve the position of President. He loved the institution and was loved by both students and faculty alike. I personally find it offensive for those from the outside of the system to have such a major influence on the future of SCSCU.
I realize that he will not be offered his position back - if so, under the circumstances he probably would not accept it anyway. I genuinely wish him well. He has made a positive impact on so many lives. Just realize that he will be missed because he had something that none of the current applicants have. He had a loving following of people at the school at all levels that loved and cared for him – a following that knows that they will do everything possible to make certain that they receive the best education possible.
That said, lets move on to fight for the best that is available - AND I SAY AGAIN, THIS SHORT LIST DOES NOT HAVE WHAT IT TAKES.
Start the process over and leave the interim president in place until the RIGHT PERSON IS FOUND!!! We can do better and we deserve better.
I was blessed to know Dr. Nance personally so understand that the bar should be set very high for the next president. Dr. Hugine worked for Dr. Nance.
I STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH CONFIRMATION OF ANY OF THE CANDIATES PRESENTED and am beginning to question the agenda of anyone that would represent that this group is the best that the SCSCU Board of Trustees can offer to lead this fine institution!!!
"
rthomp wrote on Apr 27, 2008 6:04 PM:
Reasonable wrote on Apr 26, 2008 11:04 PM:
bsponge14 wrote on Apr 26, 2008 10:31 AM:
bsponge14 wrote on Apr 26, 2008 10:30 AM:
bosshogg wrote on Apr 25, 2008 6:46 PM:
if you dont like washington, thats okay...we dont either....but maurice washington is not scsu....so lets focus on the positive at SCSU and its future "
swillabill wrote on Apr 25, 2008 4:06 PM:
bosshogg wrote on Apr 25, 2008 10:18 AM:
TAS wrote on Apr 25, 2008 9:32 AM:
Chris' Cloths wrote on Apr 25, 2008 3:17 AM:
Chris' Cloths wrote on Apr 25, 2008 2:58 AM:
I SAY GET RID OF EVERYBODY. MAURICE WASHINGTON, THE Board, the interim prez, the campus nurse, the cooks at the PITT-everyone. Just keep Buddy, and the Band. "
Challenge wrote on Apr 24, 2008 7:00 PM:
I clearly understand that none of the individuals applied for the Position, nor was I insinuating that it was a prerequisite that only an alumnus would be qualified to fill the position. They are simply people that I know that have reached the heights of their professions and continue to grow. They are two average individuals that have demonstrated above average abilities and capacity and happen to be graduates of SCSCU.
I am simply stating that a problem exist at the Leadership level in this fine institution when most of the individuals that I have spoken to have not considered SCSCU when it became time to select a college for their young adults. The Students of SCSCU Deserve The Best! Many of my colleagues, all with young adults, have pondered the very same issues that I have discussed – selection of college based on the existing conditions at the school. It pains me to say that even today, when challenged about my personal position, those that challenged me had not considered the school for their children.
We must change the culture of settling for! Demand the most qualified. Included in the criteria should have been “Experience at the President Level at a college or university. Is that too much to ask?
We all love the history and celebrate the sports, but we want more. We deserve more. We demand more. In the past four years, I have been responsible for four young adults as they selected their institutions of higher learning. The results are as follows:
Relative # 1 – Francis Marion University
Relative # 2 – Winthrop College
Child # 1 – Morehouse College
Child # 2 – Hampton University
How do you think that it makes me feel to know that my school was not considered in either instance. Mine have no choice but to choose an HBCU, but that is the only demand that I put on them. They make their own decisions from that pool of Institutions.
Great Leadership at SCSCU can and will fix this.
Representative James Clyburn is a personal hero of mine for I admire his accomplishments, not only during the civil rights movement but also as he provides Leadership, true Leadership in the Government in the Greatest Nation on Earth. Representative Clyburn is the highest-ranking African-American in Congress, and the most powerful Democrat in South Carolina. He is a graduate of SCSCU. My Mother, my ultimate hero in life obtained her Masters of Education from SCSCU. As a seven-year-old, I took my first swimming lessons at Dukes gym in 1965 while my mother attended classes. She was very proud of our University. When the time came to select a college, I SELECTED SCSCU because of what it represented to me. Perseverance was instilled in me at SCSCU!!!
The Students Deserve The Best!
The reason that I make the statements that I do is very simple. I wish for the Board of Directors to take their time, make the best selection for the position of President. Then they should give that individual all the support needed to turn the public opinion, whether warranted or not, about “My College” so that the reputation in the public is as strong as that of the Athletic and Band organizations. I realize that these statements pain many, but it is my opinion.
In answer to your question - “have you seen their full resumes? No I have not. However in what was published to date in the article I noticed that none have PRESIDENT behind their name. Why can we not draw someone with that level of credentials to the table? You ask, “Do you have knowledge of their experience?” I say, no, however I have made no attempt to take anything away from them. Indeed I give the benefit of the doubt that they are all very fine individuals. My point is simple. In the senior year of high school, where are the top tier students going. Give us the Leadership that will turn this around.
I am aware of a major corporation that wished to venture with SCSCU but Leadership never followed through to realize the opportunity, one which could have created job opportunities for Graduates and co-op students for years to come in addition to injecting partnership capital into SCSCU. Give me results – bring me a Leader.
Some of the best days in my life were spent in Orangeburg, South Carolina attending SCSCU. I want the best Leadership on board to bring this fine institution back. Bring us an experienced College President or Business Leader for consideration. SCSCU deserves it. Other HBCU’s have grown in status – why can’t we? We Dominate in Sports and Music – let’s Dominate in Education and Stature!
The Students Deserve The Best!
"
bsponge14 wrote on Apr 24, 2008 4:48 PM:
swillabill wrote on Apr 24, 2008 4:32 PM:
bosshogg wrote on Apr 24, 2008 3:58 PM:
and how do you know none of the finalist are "the one"...have you seen their ful resumes? Do you have knowledge of their experience? All the other schools you mentioned...are their presidents alumni of the school? is that a prerequisite to success?
"
Challenge wrote on Apr 24, 2008 10:34 AM:
At one time, our name could be held up with the institutions like Howard, Hampton, Morehouse, FAMU and others that have continued their prominence in the business of providing top quality education to our youth. Now it appears that if I am seeking a reason to be proud of SCSCU, I must look to the athletic department and the band – both of which have managed to maintain its excellence in their respective arenas. What ever happened to the legacy of presidents like Dr. Nance and others before him that made me proud to be a member of the University which I still hold high, but not high enough to send my children there.
As I look at the candidates listed, I am certain that they are all fine individuals, however none appear to be “The One” – you know, that one special person that can bring the true pride back to our fine institution. I ask that our Board not rush to fill a position just for the sake of having a person at the helm. Take your time and find “The One” that can truly bring back the Pride and Excitement that is necessary to make students want to attend SCSCU, just as I was proud to attend. A Leader inspires those around them to perform at their best. GIVE US A LEADER AS A PRESIDENT – hire the delivery mechanisms to support that individual.
Think outside the box – find a graduate with pride in the institution – not someone to just go through the motions. One of the best individuals that I could name – one that has demonstrated a unique ability to create pride is not even in the education industry – BUT HE WOULD BRING MORE TO THE TABLE THAN ANY THAT YOU HAVE NAMED – MR. HENRY ALLEN!!! He does not know that I have mentioned his name, but as one of the best business minds that has graduated from our University, someone with his proven leadership skills would go a long way towards brining back the EXCITEMENT of attending and supporting SCSCU. We should also consider someone with the proven leadership of Colonel Larry Boyd on the team. Pride and Excitement is what we need and we should settle for nothing less. There are many that would be better candidates for this most powerful position – do not waste this opportunity to make a change back to the better.
I am certain that all the names on this list can perform the job very well, but we do not need a delivery mechanic, they can be hired any day. We need a Leader, a Leader which can and will inspire, a Leader which will make all those that have past through the gates and walked across the stage to come back in high numbers and do the recruiting for SCSCU, a Leader that will make the funds pour in to the University because of its excellence and reputation, a Leader which will make corporate America seek out the University to become partners in the education process, a Leader that will bring my young adults to SCSCU.
To the Athletic Department and the Band, you have performed well. I am very proud of you and I am certain that the pride of the history has driven you to continue the legacy of greatness. Now its time to bring excellence back the Academic and Business arena. This is so that I do not have to question in the future whether or not to consider sending my remaining two young men to my University – “South Carolina State University” for which I am very proud of and love very much. Find a “Leader” that will bring us back to the “Top”.
As a note, one of mine made the “All SIAC Football Team” having the forth-highest academic average in the conference and another will attend Hampton University on a Band scholarship. I have two more – don’t miss the opportunity.
"
TAS wrote on Apr 24, 2008 9:43 AM:
bosshogg wrote on Apr 24, 2008 9:16 AM:
we liked hugine....but we lost faith in him when he applied to be the president at savannah state..which he did, and can be proven.....no disrespect to savannah state, but they are a level below scsu....so why would he want to leave his alma mater to go there.....interesting question....answer? he knew his time was up....so he tried to jump ship before it sank.....
call it what you want...we love hugine as a person, but if anyone was a puppet, maybe it was him....which is why in the last search, it was reopened to add him....people seem to forget that....he was not in the search, then it was reopened to add him..we knew then he would get the job, and he got it because people knew he wouldnt shake things up too much, and wouldnt fire people who needed to go...and ultimately, maybe he didnt.....which may have led to him getting ousted...
do your research people...make decisions with your head and not your heart....make the logical choice....not the emotional one... "
Pitbull wrote on Apr 23, 2008 9:49 PM:
Native1 wrote on Apr 23, 2008 8:20 PM:
bulldogdiva wrote on Apr 23, 2008 6:37 PM:
swillabill wrote on Apr 23, 2008 5:52 PM:
bosshogg wrote on Apr 23, 2008 2:30 PM:
beast wrote on Apr 23, 2008 2:19 PM:
Then some folks could easily come in, clean house and get better funding.
This is about education. History is important. But our future begins today and each day this university spends wasted on scandals and etc. is a day lost to someone trying to gain an education. "
swillabill wrote on Apr 23, 2008 2:08 PM:
bosshogg wrote on Apr 23, 2008 1:07 PM:
bulldogagainstdumbness wrote on Apr 23, 2008 10:59 AM:
bosshogg wrote on Apr 23, 2008 9:57 AM:
the past is the past....embrace the present and move forward to the future...no matter how you feel about it...Hugine is gone....who do you love more....SCSU, or Hugine.....if its SCSU, move forward..... "
Chris' Cloths wrote on Apr 23, 2008 9:50 AM:
TAS wrote on Apr 23, 2008 9:28 AM:
Native1 wrote on Apr 23, 2008 8:54 AM:
Bmore#1 wrote on Apr 23, 2008 8:22 AM:
blobloblo wrote on Apr 23, 2008 7:30 AM:
ftalleyjr wrote on Apr 23, 2008 6:33 AM:
SCSU Board has rendered SCSU helpless in rudderless ship. "