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President, students clash about firings

Web posted May 2, 1998

Associated Press

SAVANNAH -- Savannah State University's new president promised things would be different when he took over for John Wolfe, who angered students and faculty by firing 13 high-level staff members.

But students are now angry with President Carlton Brown for his own staff changes, including the replacement of a popular vice president.

The personnel changes, for many faculty members and students, are eerily reminiscent of mass firings under past administrations.

Eight of the university's 10 previous presidents -- including Mr. Wolfe -- resigned under mounting pressure from the community, students or the Board of Regents. The two others died while in office.

Mr. Wolfe resigned in 1997 after a no-confidence vote from faculty and staff. He now serves as the Board of Regents' associate vice chancellor for academic affairs.

``I understand that with every decision you make regarding personnel someone is going to be upset,'' Mr. Brown said. ``But the bottom line is the process.''

Despite the uproar, Mr. Brown insists that the administrative changes were handled in a fair, open and proper fashion and made in the best interests of the students and the institution.

``We're not trying to harm a soul,'' Mr. Brown said. ``All we're trying to do is move the institution forward.''

Among the personnel changes drawing the most criticism was the replacement in April of Karen Hill, interim vice president for student affairs.

Ms. Hill had been temporarily appointed to her position without a search process in 1996 under the previous administration. In September 1997, Mr. Brown announced the university was conducting a search for a permanent replacement.

Ms. Hill was allowed to reapply and remain in the position until the search was complete.

More than 600 students signed petitions asking for Ms. Hill to be hired.

Mr. Brown, who said he wanted to be open and accommodating to student concerns, allowed the student government association to select students to serve on the selection committee and asked the faculty senate to select people for the faculty slots.

Students sat in on interviews, asked questions and submitted evaluations to the selection committee for consideration.

Although several students attended interviews and submitted recommendations on Ms. Hill's behalf, the committee did not advance her name to the president for final consideration.

Students complained that their input wasn't considered, the selection committee was biased and fired employees were treated unfairly.

``We should have kept her here. She was cool,'' said Eric Matthews, a senior who signed the petition. ``Most of the faculty is on a power trip, but she was down to earth.''

Some students have asked University System Chancellor Stephen Portch to delay the appointment of the new vice president for student affairs and launch an investigation into the search process.

Mr. Portch told the students in writing to trust the judgment of their administrators. But some students said their faith in Mr. Brown hinges on his ability to keep his promises and the performance of his new hires.