Presidential Search

By Tim Holmes
Contributing EditorWith a growing student body, large faculty and staff from three different colleges and dozens of departments and an athletics program recently accepted into Division I, Longwood's next president will have a variety of issues to deal with. In order to get input from departments, groups and individuals, as well as keep the campus up-to-date on the presidential search, Longwood's Web site now contains a link to a presidential search page with information about search committee members, updates on the hiring process, and the opportunity to leave comments or suggestions for the search committee.

Brenda Atkins, executive assistant to the president for governmental affairs and special projects, is the person who receives comments submitted on the Web site. "We're trying to meet with people about the process, trying to ensure that everyone knows we are looking for input from all areas of the campus," she said. In addition to the Web site, students, faculty, staff and members of the Farmville community will all have opportunities to meet with committee members to contribute their input.

The presidential search committee is in the process of hiring a search committee, and once that is done, Atkins said, "There will be more meetings, focus group type things, meetings with faculty, staff and students, because we really are trying to solicit input from everyone and to make it as open as we can."

At the April 14 Student Government Association (SGA) meeting, Board of Visitors (BOV) Rector Marge Connelly heard from several SGA members about what they would like to see in the new president. SGA President Cameron Patterson said, "One thing is having a president that values the importance of student government and students playing a role in the decision-making process. Dr. Cormier valued that during her time here.and also I think it's great to have a president who has a strong background in academia, but maybe having a president who has some business background would be valuable to the university, particularly going through these economic times experience like that is very valuable."

T. Jordan Miles III, Judicial Board chair, said he would like to see the new president preserve the low student-faculty ratio. "The low class size, having that intimacy with professors and staff . I think is one of Longwood's signatures in terms of attracting students," he said.

Senior Becky Hosler shared Miles' sentiments about small class sizes, saying, "Student population has increased and as a result so has class size. I think Longwood's small class size and low student-to-teacher ratios was one of the things that drew many of us to Longwood in the first place. The small class sizes really allow you to get to know your professors and fellow students and become a positive contributor in classroom discussions. I believe the new president should continue to maintain smaller classes and lower student to teacher ratios" Hosler also said she enjoys seeing the holiday tree set up in Ruffner Hall and hopes that the new president will continue that tradition.

Freshman Stevie Wilson said she would like the improved relationship between Longwood and the town of Farmville to continue. "President Cormier has done an excellent job in getting our school involved with the town of Farmville. . So many changes have been made under her presidency, and I feel that the changes that have been occurring need to continue," she said.

Senior Terrell Fleming said, "The new person should try to find a conference for the athletic program, but there primary focus should not be just on the program. They should work toward integrating Longwood with the surrounding community. I also think they should try to focus on diversifying the faculty and staff."

With a large range of constituent groups to satisfy, the selection process will be a long and difficult one. Connelly said, "I don't know if there is the perfect candidate that can satisfy every single on of those [groups]." However, the presidential search committee has the task of finding and recommending someone who can best handle the challenges between old and new, blending tradition and progress, and keeping the university moving forward.