The Next OU President

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Seth) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 03:55:00 +0000

It takes a certain TYPE of person to serve as President of Oakwood University, the only Seventh-day Adventist HBCU! A person of presence. A person of vision and determination. A person who exudes optimism and pride. Not easily discouraged but of high moral standard and who can turn any losing situation into a win.

Whether you liked him or not, Delbert Baker was this TYPE of leader. Similar to Kobe Bryant, who has as many fans as he does haters, at the end of the day he still has 5 rings. Game must recognize game! Though often surrounded by critics, Dr. Baker has done more for OU than many are willing to recognize. He carried himself with a certain presidential swagger. Not arrogance, but a strong confidence in his vision, his calling, and his abilities. This presidential swagger commanded attention and inspired those who were willing to work alongside of him.

As the search for the next president is in its final stages, I wonder if they've found someone who is indeed presidential?

Presidential is not your title nor your office, but it's a certain way you carry yourself. It's your swagger. It's not cocky but confident; not domineering but diplomatic; it's not blunt but having candor. It's knowing you're good without having to flaunt it. It's understanding your limits but yet still pressing the envelope. It's not what you do but who you are. It's Presidential.

The new face of Oakwood University must be Presidential. An academician, yes! Spiritual, without question! Business minded, definitely! But Presidential, essential!

After hearing the speeches of the three remaining candidates: Bertram Melbourne, Gina Brown, & Leslie Pollard (click here to listen), in my estimation it appears that Brown & Pollard are the stronger candidates. Though Melbourne is well qualified and credentialed, I find it hard to believe that the Board of Trustees would hire a non-graduate of Oakwood University when Oakwood itself produces so many qualified persons. Though this institutionalism may sound prejudicial, I only state it because as a graduate of Oakwood myself, I'm acquainted with the rich history and Oakwoodite pride that runs through campus.

On that assumption, it leaves Brown & Pollard. Based on presentation alone, and all things considered equal, I would score Brown higher than Pollard. The mere fact that she came with a ppt presentation, and he did not, says something about her preparedness for the task. Furthermore, she left little room for vagueness and uncertainty as to what projects she would tackle first. Pollard's answers were somewhat dry and left me feeling like it's going to be business as usual. Where as it was clear that Brown was excited, full of fresh ideas, and up for the task.

However the one advantage, and possibly the tipping point, that Pollard had over Brown is that he carried himself and spoke as one who knows and understands what it takes to lead a university. There was a certain confidence (and at times over-confidence) in his speech. As the air apparent, he carried himself as one who had been groomed for this position, and who knew that all his experiences to-date were preparing him for this position.

While Brown left me with the impression that she was trying to convince me (and possibly herself) that she was fit for the job, Pollard gave me the impression that he knew he was the man. Brown's energy and religious jargon were high and at times distracting. Pollard appeared more tempered and collected.

In all I came away feeling that Pollard was very... presidential, and that he should be & probably will be the next president of Oakwood University.

However that doesn't mean we just disregard Brown and send her back to the "rough side of the mountain" (i.e. WAU) where she came from. Oh no! Her ideas and energy is just what Oakwood needs in a ProVost. Pollard would be wise to extend to her the position of ProVost specifically to develop the Graduate Programs of Oakwood.

In short, whoever will be privileged to carry the OU Presidential Torch will need to be a man or woman of great prayer, great faith, and great vision. For this torch is to precious and to heavy for any average man to bear. Only a certain TYPE will do.

Indeed my prayers are with the search committee, and may God's will be done.

THE LENS

The Next OU President