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2008 University Conference
Enhancing the Intellectual Climate at North Carolina Central University

August 12, 2008

As we prepare to launch the 98th year of instruction at North Carolina Central University, it is a personal privilege to welcome new members of the NCCU faculty and staff, along with those who are returning.  I realize that you have the option of working at any number of universities around the country, and that you have chosen NCCU.  For that, we are enormously grateful!

Last year I moved beyond the boundaries of my personal comfort zone when I accepted President Bowles’ invitation to become the 10th Chief Executive of North Carolina Central University.  Although I am just as excited and enthusiastic about this wonderful leadership opportunity today as I was a year ago, I must say that everything that I thought I knew about leadership and management was tested beyond measure this past academic year!  While there have been trying times this year, I assure you that I don’t feel no ways tired – and quitting  is not even on my radar screen!

On July 31, a long-time friend and colleague of mine, Ken Gross Louis, former Chancellor of Indiana University, sent me an e-mail inquiring about how my first year had gone, said he, “is the University a better place as a result of your having been there?”  Of course, I responded by saying that I believe the University is en route to becoming a better place, not because of my presence alone, but because of the hard work of many of you gathered here this morning.

This past academic year I received approximately 8,000 e-mails from an array of University constituents, e.g. students, faculty & former students, with concerns ranging from minor complaints to major requests for action.  As I began to think seriously about what I wanted to say today, I recalled this quote from Charles Dickens in his classic, Tale of Two Cities.  You see, I think it captures well the status of things at NCCU.  indeed, we are in the midst of the best of times and the worst of times.  And yes, we are in the age of foolishness!

1. Review a highlight of accomplishments
2. Identify our strategic goals for 2008-09
3. Discuss in somewhat greater detail the need to enhance the intellectual climate at NCCU.
4. Close with a story to illustrate my point.

 To see slideshow, click here.