Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, January 26, 1995 TAG: 9501260123
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: ALLISON BLAKE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Covington, one of two finalists for the Radford presidency, would, if chosen, become the first black president of the former women's teaching college.
He stressed the need to include faculty in decision-making and to hold the schools' academic program sacred in times of cost-cutting.
He also said Radford needed to significantly increase its endowment to earn $3 million to $5 million annually so it does not depend so much on diminishing state funds.
Asked about the state-mandated plan to trim universities and colleges, Covington called it ``the most succinct and incisive question'' Radford faces.
``Faculty must be involved,'' he said. ``It can't be a quick study. It becomes a question of how we can do more for less. There are a lot of ramifications, and I can't stand before a faculty and make simplistic statements.''
Merging departments and eliminating degree programs - and positions - ``is serious business,'' he said, adding that the academic program should be the last thing cut.
``There has to be some pain associated with this, and the president has to bear some scar tissue,'' Covington said.
Radford and five other state universities are fighting in the General Assembly to restore budget cuts proposed by Gov. George Allen when they failed to submit approved restructuring plans by a Dec. 1 deadline. The $1.6 million cut to Radford would likely mean layoffs.
A measured speaker who cut an elegant figure on stage, Covington also spoke candidly about the possibility of being a black president of a predominantly white school.
``I feel there are some African Americans who would not feel comfortable,'' he said. ``I happen not to be one of them.
``I believe my presence at Radford could be value-added. We are interested in preparing students to adjust to a multiethnic society and compete in a global economy. I might add a dimension.''
In 1992, Covington became Cheyney's fourth president in seven years, then oversaw the school's financial comeback from a $6.8 million deficit. He previously was assistant to the chancellor for the State University and Community College System of Tennessee. He was chancellor of Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, and president of Alabama A&M University.
He holds a master's degree and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University. He and his wife, Bea, are the parents of two grown sons. Pennsylvania State University President Joab Thomas nominated Covington for the Radford post.
Clearly aware of the financially tough times for higher education, Covington spoke of several ways to expand the enrollment base, such as distance learning and extension centers.
``You're very fortunate in having a campus that is not only aesthetically pleasing but conducive to learning,'' he said, suggesting the campus would be attractive to prospective students.
And Covington, who helped lobby the Pennsylvania legislature for a $33.4 million capital improvement package, understood the paradox of a university presidency.
``I want to be active lobbying; want to be accessible to faculty and staff, so I'm not remote and estranged from faculty and students.''
Radford's faculty members meet today at 5 p.m. to make their recommendation. One faculty leader, Al Pearson, said he would enthusiastically endorse Covington.
His comments came even as questions surround the candidacy of the second finalist, Charleston Southern University President Jairy C. Hunter Jr. Both men were unanimously selected by the search committee, but faculty concern has arisen that the search was not entirely confidential, as agreed.
``The committee held all information confidential, yet we have evidence people outside the committee knew the name of at least one candidate,'' said Gwen Thomas, a faculty committee member.
``No one involved in this search is steering this campus toward one candidate,'' said search committee Chairwoman Karen Waldron.
She said she was not concerned ``in the least'' whether the search was tainted, and said the only reason for confidentiality was to preserve the jobs of the candidates.
The presidential search committee is expected to meet again Feb. 5.
by CNB