Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 21, 1994 TAG: 9406210136
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By ALLISON BLAKE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The applause came after Charles Owens pledged open communication and a concerted effort to improve the university's academic reputation.
"I think Dr. Owens spoke for a lot of people today," said Paul Harris, vice president for student affairs. "There is a lot of healing going on, and a general good feeling we've needed for a long time."
Radford in recent days has stewed in a controversy left behind by Owens' predecessor, Donald Dedmon, who was president for 22 years. Dedmon stepped down as faculty produced documents alleging possible financial mismanagement of his discretionary fund.
An audit, ordered by the board of visitors, is under way.
Dedmon, who had spleen surgery this spring and has been slowly recuperating, is on medical leave until August 1995. He then will retire.
In his speech, Owens placed communication among his top priorities. He also wants to cut bureaucratic paperwork within the university, tighten admission standards and help the school stay focused on the New College for Global Studies, now under development.
He made clear that the university must work together to put the turmoil behind.
"We all have to be in the same ship, steering in the same direction," Owens said. "Let's go to the future."
Owens announced the appointment of Kathleen W. Green, dean of Radford's Waldron College of Nursing and Health Services, as acting vice president for academic affairs, filling the space Owens left vacant with his new appointment. Dr. James Nicely will become acting dean of that school.
Kevin Williams, a close aide to Dedmon, will be moved to a new position within the alumni affairs office. Owens said he has no use for an aide who does "the kinds of things he was doing - a lot of personal-service type of things I prefer to do myself."
Pressed for details, Owens said: "Drive a car. Making copies. Running around looking in files."
Owens also announced that the school's admission office will move to the academic affairs office - part of Owens' strategy to improve academic standards at Radford.
Standing by in the audience was one member of the board of visitors, who is keenly aware that the board is the final authority on university business.
After Owens' speech, Nancy Wilson said that board members - many of whom are on vacation - will have to approve the changes announced by Owens. She also noted that Owens is only the temporary acting president.
When a committee will be appointed to search for a new president is not known.
Wilson, like others involved in the events that led to the audit of Dedmon's fund, did not know about broad guidelines governing use of the fund, adopted in 1973.
"If the board passed along too much confidence ... we need to look at that," she said.
"We are the overseers of the university."
by CNB