Letter: SU chancellor search applauded
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I wish to echo your thoughtful assessment of the chancellor search process at Southern University (editorial, May 29).
For the past 35 years, I have either participated in or witnessed the selection of chief executives at Southern University.
In 1973, I was Faculty Senate president and served on a committee charged to screen candidates and recommend finalists for the president of Southern. There were no chancellors at that time, as this period preceded the establishment of a Board of Supervisors and the creation of a Southern University System.
That 1973 action of the state Board of Education completely ignored the input of the search committee, and since that time many of the top-level appointments have been determined by outside political forces. This observation is not meant to diminish the outstanding leadership that some of the appointees have provided, nor is it intended to downplay the worthiness of some of the applicants in the most recent search.
The simple fact is that by statewide standards, this was a very good search. As a 35-year observer and participant, I believe that the current search committee, the university president and board should all be commended for what they have done in the history of the Southern University System.
They have resisted the external and internal political pressures and have stuck by the principles of objectivity. My assessment is that, while there might have been a few flaws in protocol, the search and screening process was good: The decision of President Ralph Slaughter to recommend one candidate is consistent with what system presidents ought to do.
This, too, was very good, and finally, the board’s ultimate action was a good model for the state of Louisiana to emulate. At this very moment it would seem appropriate to say that the Southern University process is “all good.”
It certainly makes me proud to be an alumnus of this institution.
William E. Moore, Ph.D.
SU System distinguished professor of chemistry
Baton Rouge
For the past 35 years, I have either participated in or witnessed the selection of chief executives at Southern University.
In 1973, I was Faculty Senate president and served on a committee charged to screen candidates and recommend finalists for the president of Southern. There were no chancellors at that time, as this period preceded the establishment of a Board of Supervisors and the creation of a Southern University System.
That 1973 action of the state Board of Education completely ignored the input of the search committee, and since that time many of the top-level appointments have been determined by outside political forces. This observation is not meant to diminish the outstanding leadership that some of the appointees have provided, nor is it intended to downplay the worthiness of some of the applicants in the most recent search.
The simple fact is that by statewide standards, this was a very good search. As a 35-year observer and participant, I believe that the current search committee, the university president and board should all be commended for what they have done in the history of the Southern University System.
They have resisted the external and internal political pressures and have stuck by the principles of objectivity. My assessment is that, while there might have been a few flaws in protocol, the search and screening process was good: The decision of President Ralph Slaughter to recommend one candidate is consistent with what system presidents ought to do.
This, too, was very good, and finally, the board’s ultimate action was a good model for the state of Louisiana to emulate. At this very moment it would seem appropriate to say that the Southern University process is “all good.”
It certainly makes me proud to be an alumnus of this institution.
William E. Moore, Ph.D.
SU System distinguished professor of chemistry
Baton Rouge
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