ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, March 24, 1996 TAG: 9603250074
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: FERRUM
SOURCE: TODD JACKSON STAFF WRITER
note: below
The Ferrum College Board of Trustees renewed the annual contract of school President Jerry Boone on Saturday after it had been handed a faculty survey that showed overwhelming discontent with his leadership.
According to a source close to a member of the private college's board, the vote to renew Boone's contract was not unanimous.
The four-hour meeting was closed to the media.
The board emerged from the session and issued a short statement expressing support for Boone and respect for the faculty. It said the board's executive committee wants everyone to work together.
Boone's administration has come under fire recently from faculty members who say the college has no long-term vision for itself and that the problems it is now experiencing - dropping enrollment, budget cuts and possible layoffs - are a direct result.
Ferrum professors have formed an association to represent their concerns, but it's not officially recognized by the school administration. It includes about 65 of 80 faculty members.
The Faculty Development and Affairs Committee, the organization that acts as the official liaison to the administration, surveyed the faculty Thursday and Friday. The committee includes faculty representatives from each of the school's academic departments as well as Ferrum Dean Joe Carter.
The survey results, obtained by The Roanoke Times after the meeting, were distributed to board members during the meeting by Sam Payne, a political science professor and chairman of the committee.
Boone knew about the survey before the meeting and agreed that the results should be given to the trustees "however painful it may be for him," Payne said.
The survey asked whether Boone has articulated a plan for the college, has an understanding of faculty concerns and has a vision for Ferrum.
The number of teachers who responded varied according to the question, but at least 64 of the 80 faculty members voted on each.
Respondents had the option of voting yes, no or not sure. Out of 200 total votes on the three questions, three were cast in favor of Boone and 178 against him.
A professor, who would comment only if his name was not used, said: "This is our vote of no confidence."
Payne said he doesn't think the majority of the faculty is ready "to demand a change of leadership at this point."
"The proof of the pudding is going to be what happens from now on out," he said.
Boone could not be reached for comment Saturday, and he declined to be interviewed for a story last week about the faculty's concerns.
Sandra Kidd, the school's vice president for development, said Ferrum is making some hard decisions during a volatile time for higher education statewide.
The decisions include a 10 percent reduction in the school's total personnel costs, the offer of an employee buyout plan, and a warning of possible layoffs and program cuts.
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