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Norfolk State Meets One Choice for Next University President

Posted on: Saturday, 28 January 2006, 12:00 CST

By Amy Jeter, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va.

Jan. 28--NORFOLK -- If she becomes Norfolk State University's next president, Carolyn W. Meyers wants to honor the traditions of historically black colleges and universities by helping underprivileged students and bonding with the community.

Meyers answered questions from Norfolk State faculty members and the public during two meetings on campus Friday.

She is one of two remaining finalists for the presidency. A third, Kofi Lomotey, withdrew from consideration, saying that he planned to accept another job, officials announced Friday. Lomotey, a former president of Georgia's Fort Valley State University, resigned amid controversy last year.

"We had heard before that he was being considered for another position," said Jack L. Ezzell Jr., rector of the university's Board of Visitors. "We always understood that that was a possibility."

The other finalist, Joseph H. Silver Sr., is scheduled to visit Norfolk State on Tuesday. He is the vice president for academic affairs at Savannah State University in Georgia.

Norfolk State's new president could be named as early as next week.

Meyers, a native of Newport News, is the provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at North Carolina A&T State University . She spoke Friday on topics as varied as fundraising and sports.

Norfolk State is "an institution that's poised to lift off," she said, and she indicated that she would help others achieve their goals for the university.

"What matters is the university's vision," Meyers said. "My vision, alone, if it's not shared by all of the stakeholders, will not become reality."

Meyers spoke of progress made at North Carolina A&T, such as a 44 percent increase in enrollment over six years, and she mentioned programs started there, such as a new course of study with a graduation requirement that students complete 50 hours of community service.

To faculty members, Meyers spoke of developing a university that balances the values of research and teaching, technology and liberal arts, academics and sports.

"It's not only the book sense, but the people sense that really matters," Meyers said.

A graduate of Howard University, Meyers told faculty members that historically black schools are obligated to do their best for students whose education before college may have been sub par.

"You have to take the under prepared and make up for the deficits," she said.

After one of the meetings, freshman Omar Mitchell said he liked what he heard.

"She was well-spoken," Mitchell, 18, said. "It seemed like she had a plan for the school."

William Alexander, a history professor, said he was impressed by her credentials and her attitude.

"She doesn't seem to be an autocratic personality," he said. "She has a vision, but the vision is open in terms of academic excellence."

Norfolk State's previous president, Marie V. McDemmond, resigned last year, citing a serious illness. Alvin J. Schexnider, McDemmond's executive vice president, has served as interim president.

A 13-member search committee chose the finalists from a field of about 50. The new president is expected to take over in July.

Reach Amy Jeter at (757) 446-2730 or amy.jeter@pilotonline.com.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va.

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Source: The Virginian-Pilot

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