ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, July 16, 1996 TAG: 9607160046
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: NORFOLK
SOURCE: Associated Press
Norfolk State University's president said Monday he will retire next July to spend more time with his family.
``I have children, and they're grown, and I've missed them for 20-some years because I've been married to this job,'' Harrison B. Wilson said. ``Now I have [five] grandchildren, and if I'm not careful, I'll miss them.''
Wilson, who described himself as older than 65, said age was not a factor in his decision because he is in good health. He said he will take a yearlong sabbatical on retirement but has no plans beyond that.
The board of visitors at the historically black school will form a search committee today to begin looking for Wilson's successor - a task that board Chairman L.D. Britt said will be difficult.
Britt said the school has achieved the goals Wilson set when he became president July 1, 1975, including an increase in student enrollment from 6,700, to 8,100, the creation of a scholarship program in science and mathematics, and the construction of 14 buildings.
LENGTH: Short : 30 linesby CNB