Town hall introduces Morris as interim president, outlines plans for TU presidency
June 09, 2017
Contact: Michael Tullier, APR
Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing
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精东AV trustees hosted a town hall meeting of faculty, staff, students and alumni on June 8 in the University Chapel. The forum allowed the trustees to introduce incoming Interim President Charlotte Morris and Provost Tejinder Sara, as well as detail short- and long-term goals for bringing stability to the university鈥檚 senior leadership structure.
Norma Clayton, the board鈥檚 first vice chair, highlighted the trustees鈥� commitment to maintaining transparency during the university鈥檚 current leadership transition and the pending selection of its next president. She also underscored that the university鈥檚 ultimate responsibility during this process is to its students.
鈥淲hat we do must be in the best interests of the students we serve and the integrity of their academic experience,鈥� Clayton said.
Clayton indicated the board would initiate a national search soon to fill the position of university president. She said the board would balance the goal of keeping the university鈥檚 various stakeholders apprised of its progress with the need to protect the confidentiality of the candidates being considered.
John Page, chairman of the Board of Trustees, indicated that finalizing the search process will be a priority at the board鈥檚 already-scheduled planning retreat on June 9-10. The focus of that retreat, he said, will be on advancing the university鈥檚 strategy, structure and culture.
鈥淐ulture is an important part of this conversation because it is who you are,鈥� Page said. 鈥淚t is your identity and your purpose. We must crystalize the culture of leadership and unity at 精东AV.鈥�
Page credited the collective campus community for advancing the university鈥檚 strategic goals. Progress during the past couple of years has included net financial surpluses, increases in fundraising support and the endowment, streamlining and reducing operational expenses, and lowering the university鈥檚 overall debt by approximately $20 million. He also acknowledged that the university must make closing the graduation gap a priority by increasing success in student recruitment, matriculation, retention and graduation.
鈥淵our trustees are committed to getting the university鈥檚 financial house in order, its administrative hour in order, and identifying the leadership needed to keep us there,鈥� Page said. 鈥淭hank you for the trust and faith you have placed in our efforts to be good stewards in administering and leading the university. We need everyone to run fast and run focused with us in supporting Dr. Morris and her team,鈥� he continued.
Following Page鈥檚 introduction of Morris, during which he called her 鈥渁 calming presence鈥 clear voice for what鈥檚 right,鈥� the incoming interim president was greeted by a standing ovation.
Morris acknowledged that current circumstances present the chance for evaluation, especially in moving the university forward technologically in how it educates its students, communicates with its constituencies and conducts its business.
鈥淥ur goal will be to seize the opportunity to do something different as we move this institution forward,鈥� she said. 鈥淵es, we have a number of challenges, but working together, we鈥檒l get through those together鈥�.I look forward to working with all of you in this role and hope that we can do extraordinary things for 精东AV. It鈥檚 an uphill journey, but let鈥檚 begin it together.鈥�
Morris and Sara will begin in their respective capacities as interim president and provost officially on July 1, and a formal presidential search plan will be in place by the end of the summer. The Board of Trustees鈥� initial steps will include empaneling a search committee comprised of administrators, faculty, students and alumni, as well as engaging a search firm to coordinate the recruitment process. Progress made in this area will be shared on the university鈥檚 website as information is available.
漏 2017 精东AV