THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 19, 1996 TAG: 9609190005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 35 lines
An article regarding Norfolk State University's search for a new president (``NSU rector outlines search process for Wilson's successor,'' MetroNews, July 17) focused on the formation of a presidential search committee.
Several other local universities have replaced or lost presidents over the past few years, yet I cannot recall any instance in which The Virginian-Pilot has scoured the countryside for the opinions of consultants regarding the approach used by these universities to replace their presidents. Nor do I recall any instance in which The Virginian-Pilot asked its readership for input regarding what the priorities of these universities' new presidents should have been, what they should have looked for in their new presidents, whether the finalist for these positions should have been announced and whether such finalist should have been brought to campus for open forums.
In fact, L. D. Britt, rector of the board of visitors at NSU, in describing qualities that he felt important for the new president to have, covered the basic recommendations of consultant James L. Fisher. It would appear that in Britt, Norfolk State University has the benefit of a consultant without the attendant price tag.
I personally think that Britt himself would be an excellent candidate to replace Harrison Wilson and that he should be encouraged to submit his own resume for the position. I certainly believe that the talented search committee and the board of visitors will appropriately address the questions raised in your article and that the individual selected will possess the qualities and characteristics necessary to lead such a fine university into the 21st century.
PAUL C. GILLIS, president
Nansemond-Suffolk Branch NAACP
Suffolk, Aug. 26, 1996 by CNB