Parting Words

Outgoing college presidents share thoughts about challenges facing HBCUs as well as the state of higher education.
By Cheryl D. Fields

The transition from spring to summer is one of higher education's most exciting periods. It is a time when students who have toiled for years to achieve their academic goals finally get an opportunity to turn the tassel in front of their parents, peers and professors. It is when faculty members segue into summer modes of field research, sabbatical leave, or summer school activities. And it is when the remaining students head off to pursue their summer adventures.
In higher education, this period also is marked by another type of transition: the resignation and or retirement of some of our institutions' senior leaders. This year is no exception. Among those who are stepping down from presidencies or chancellor posts to pursue retirement or other opportunities is a stellar group of African Americans. They include: Dr. Leonard Dawson, president of Voorhees College; Dr. Frederick Humphries, president of Florida A&M University; Dr. Joe Lee, president of Tougaloo College; Dr. Julius Nimmons, president of the University of the District of Columbia; and Dr. Gloria Randle Scott, president of Bennett College.
We invited these distinguished leaders to respond to one of six questions, each soliciting their parting thoughts about the state of higher education and what they think the next generation of postsecondary leaders must do to keep the doors of educational opportunity open for African Americans and all students. Their reflections provide insights for all of us to consider.

Crafting New Visions
for a New Century
Dr. Leonard E. Dawson was named president of Voorhees College in 1985. At the time, the Denmark, S.C., school was struggling under the weight of a $1.5 million deficit. Dawson set out not only to erase the deficit, but to expand enrollment, increase its academic offerings and grow the school's endowment.
Today, Voorhees has an enrollment of 700, more than double what it was prior to Dawson's tenure as president. Its endowment has tripled from $2.3 million to $7.5 million and according to school officials, the college has enjoyed a balanced budget for 16 consecutive years. The campus also has erected $10 million in new campus facilities, completed $5 million in renovations to existing buildings and has added new academic programs in computer science and geographic information systems.
Dawson intends to spend his retirement in Richmond, Va., where he says he's looking forward to spending more time with his wife Dr. Laura Dawson.