THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 17, 1996 TAG: 9607170334
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PHILIP WALZER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 68 lines
The rector of Norfolk State University's board vowed Tuesday to lead a quick but thorough search for a new president who has solid administrative experience at colleges, a knack for raising money and the ability to maintain good relations with the community and student government.
``You can pick a person with a resume as thick as a phone book,'' said the rector, Dr. L.D. Britt. ``But if he can't blend into the community and follow the vision it has, it's not going to work.''
On Monday, Harrison B. Wilson announced he will retire as Norfolk State's president next July. Wilson's 21-year tenure makes him among the most senior college presidents in Virginia.
Britt began Norfolk State's Board of Visitors meeting Tuesday with a 25-minute overview of the search process. Britt, who will be chairman of the search committee, said he expected to announce Wilson's successor by January.
``I've been head of lots of committees, and I have yet not to meet a deadline,'' he said. ``And we will meet this deadline, and we will get somebody outstanding, maybe not of his (Wilson's) caliber.''
Britt reviewed an advertisement for the president's job, to be placed in such national publications as the Chronicle of Higher Education. The ad lists nine requirements, including a doctorate, five years of experience as an upper-level college administrator, ``evidence of successful teaching experience,'' ``ability to market the strengths of the university,'' ``demonstrated fund-raising skills'' and ``openness in working with the student governing body.''
In recent years, some universities relaxed their demands that presidents have Ph.D.s and higher-education experience so they could attract business leaders to cut campus costs and raise money. Three years ago, Virginia State University hired Eddie N. Moore Jr. - a state treasurer without a Ph.D. or extensive college administrative experience - as president.
But Britt said in an interview: ``For Norfolk State, we want somebody with a doctoral degree. Our direction is to enhance academics, even more so. That's a criterion I felt we needed to have.''
The deadline to submit resumes will be Sept. 1. ``It's not much time,'' Britt acknowledged at the meeting, ``but with the advantage of word of mouth, I don't think we need to stretch it out. Maybe a week or so, but not much more than that.''
Britt named 15 people to the search committee. There will be five university board members, including Britt and Portsmouth Mayor James W. Holley III; two Norfolk State vice presidents; two alumni; two professors; the president and vice president of the student government; one dean; and one staff member at Norfolk State.
Britt said the search would be confidential. But after the meeting, he said he planned to publicize a list of finalists, who might be invited to speak to members of the community.
While some colleges have employed consultants to guide presidential searches, Britt said, Norfolk State didn't need them: ``I like headhunters at a time you have a difficult position. This is quite a plum. . . . I don't think we need to waste money with an executive search firm.''
He also ruled out Wilson's participation. That, Britt said, was Wilson's decision. He ``categorically, unequivocally wants nothing to do with the search committee,'' Britt said. ``You can go to him with food and chocolate, but he's going to direct you to me.''
``That's right,'' Wilson interjected.
For his part, Wilson said it was ``a traumatic experience for me to retire.'' He thanked the board members for their support. ``Anywhere in Virginia when you have a top-notch board, you have a successful university,'' he said.
Wilson also praised ``the team'' of employees on campus who ``love the university, love their jobs'' and always put students first. ``I hope whoever you decide on will look at them very closely'' before making changes. by CNB