Honoring the Call: Odyssey of an Acting University President

By Neari Francois Warner

This work evolved from the personal and professional experiences of Grambling State University's first female president, albeit acting. The story occurs during troubled times, recounting the activities of the team she assembled to combat the foreboding issue of the university losing its regional accreditation. Ultimately, the book is designed to document the hard work, dedicated service, and committed spirit that the Grambling State University constituencies demonstrated to ensure that the University remained an outstanding academic institution, attracting students from throughout the United States and many foreign countries and that it continued to be the place "where everybody is somebody".

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 4, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514458266

Neari Francois Warner

Dr. Neari Francois Warner served a three-year term as Acting President of Grambling State University, making her the first female to head this historic institution. She and her executive team are credited with restoring the reputation and good name of GSU as it was on the brink of losing its regional accreditation. Her accomplishments were acknowledged and celebrated by her induction into the GSU Hall of Fame and by the establishment of the $1 Million Neari F. Warner Endowed Student Scholarship. Her experiences in higher education also include extended tenures at Southern University at New Orleans and Jackson State University.

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 by Neari Francois Warner.

Cover design by Michael Verrett

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 03/04/2016

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

730703

Contents

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Preface

Chapter 1    Minding My Own Business

Chapter 2    Assembling The Team

Chapter 3    Averting A Crisis

Chapter 4    Fulfilling The Mission

Chapter 5    Accessories To Mission

Chapter 6    The Changing Landscapes

Chapter 7    Special Times

Chapter 8    Forgiveness

Chapter 9    Decisions

Chapter 10    New Challenges

Epilogue

Dedicated to

my parents, Cornelius Francois and Enell Brimmer Francois,

with love and appreciation for the strong values and principles

instilled in me that enabled me to achieve the milestones

narrated herein

Acknowledgments

A venture such as this is never achieved without the support and encouragement of many people. With this in mind, I want to recognize those individuals who, knowingly or unknowingly, contributed to the culmination of this project. Without all of these individuals, this story could not have been told.

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge and thank the University of Louisiana System Presidents and members of the Board of Supervisors for the period of January 2001- June 2004 for the faith, confidence, and assistance provided upon my appointment and throughout my tenure as Acting President of Grambling State University. To the Grambling State University executive team, administrators, faculty, staff, students, community, and alumni, I extend sincere gratitude for their trust, cooperation, and staunch support of my efforts to return our university to a place of respect and honor.

I owe a special note of thanks and appreciation to my mentor, Dr. Thomas J. Durant, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Louisiana State University, a fellow Gramblinite, and a colleague in the Executive Ph.D. program at Jackson State University. His advice, guidance, and expertise in editing and publishing were invaluable. I believe that our paths crossed late in our careers for the purpose of ensuring that this project would come to fruition.

Last but surely not least, I am grateful to my son, Jimmie Jr., and to my siblings, Charles, Ruth, Orangel, Wanda, Roslyn, Sandra, and Forest (posthumously), for their steadfast support throughout my career. Their unconditional love and unwavering faith in my ability made the GSU experience and all of my endeavors and undertakings exciting and worthwhile. Thank you!

Foreword

H onoring the Call-Odyssey of an Acting University President traces Dr. Neari Francois Warner’s journey to give back unselfishly to a university that deserved the brilliant leadership of an alum who never really served as an acting president. Although her three-year tenure was brief, her intentions and actions were packed with determination and dedication. Neari chronicles the odyssey with distinct clarity, detailing her raw emotions, uncertainties, and hesitations regarding the unsolicited responsibilities as president of one of the most iconic institutions in the nation, Grambling State University. Her story unfolds in chapters intertwined with her personal life and the mercurial social and political dimensions that enveloped GSU during the early 2000s. Grambling State University will be forever changed as an institution of higher education in the 21 st century just as Neari’s life would be forever changed as its le ader.

The challenges of being a president of a university are abundant, never-ending and often are presented from uncommon paths. But, being the president of Grambling State University comes with unexpected surprises! Those unexpected surprises for President Warner came from within the Tiger’s fierce jaws and often sharp claws. Undaunted by the pressures of the Tiger, Neari reveals the challenges that were coming left and right, up and down from the State of Louisiana, alums, parents, students, staff, communities, and even from those who professed to be supporters, but who were actually subversive employees of Dear Old Grambling.

Amidst the challenges were opportunities, and President Warner wasted no time in discerning which opportunities were high risk and which ones were low risk. She set a vision, a course of action, rallied the team of committed persons and went about her job as President of the historical Grambling State University. How did she do it? Who was this woman who against all odds could be president? Who was this woman who was just minding her business when she was called to redirect the Tiger toward reclaiming a place of eminence and prominence among the great institutions of higher learning? Who was this president who had to rise above racism and gender bias to forge new paths for GSU? Who was this president who phenomenally slew the great white tiger that threatened the well-being of GSU and led it to a solid foundation of reaffirmation of accreditation? It was Neari Francois Warner! Unapologetic for being a Grambling State University alumna; fearless, yet calm, in the face of changing political landscapes; and smart without hubris, she transformed not only GSU but also changed the institutional culture.

For those who will read this amazing story of a leader, you will find quiet truths about the character of a great leader. You will discover hidden stories of people whose beliefs are heavily entrenched in their personal experiences as members of the Grambling community. You will uncover the mysteries of why bold decisions had to be made. More importantly, for the aspiring college president, you will be privy to the inner strengths, compassion, vision, tenacity, agility, and inclusiveness that are so needed to be successful!

This is a thorough and thoughtful must read for anyone who believes in the TIGER spirit! Every student, alum, faculty, staff, and administrator will be moved by President Neari Francois Warner’s journey. Without a doubt, it is a journey of a leader who honored the call because she truly loves Grambling State University!

Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, Ed.D.

President

Central State University

Preface

T his work is the fulfillment of my lingering desire to share my personal and professional experiences in higher education. I always thought that my story would revolve around the many wonderful years I spent teaching various courses in composition and literature; however, my experience in higher education administration at the executive level is the story that unfolds within these pages. As such, this book is a narrative discourse describing the trials, travails, and triumphs of my tenure as the first female president of Grambling State University, albeit acting. The reflective style and reminiscent nature of the text are designed to provide insights into my strengths and weaknesses, and into the familial and educational background that shaped my philosophy, my work ethics, and my love of learning. My story, however, is but a small segment of the illustrious history of Grambling State University. Eight other presidents have left their imprints in the piney woods of this north Louisiana school. Their accomplishments, while too numerous to recount in this space, must be noted if the full story of the university is to be told. Thus, I humbly provide a microscopic view of history and a selected listing of the achievements of each of the leaders who contributed to the growth and continuing development of the univer sity.

The founding president, Charles P. Adams, a native of Brusly, LA and graduate of Tuskegee Institute (Tuskegee, AL), was sent by Booker T. Washington to open a school in rural Louisiana. In 1901, the school opened as the Colored Industrial and Agricultural School but later went through several name changes: North Louisiana Agricultural and Industrial School, Lincoln Parish Training School, and Louisiana Negro Normal and Industrial Institute. Mr. Adams served for 35 years.

In 1936, Ralph W. E. Jones became the second President. Mr. Jones, a native of Lake Charles, LA and graduate of Southern University (Baton Rouge, LA), nurtured and guided the school so that its academic program flourished, and its enrollment increased steadily. In 1946, the school’s name was changed to Grambling College, and membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools was achieved in 1958. When graduate degrees were offered in 1974, the name changed to Grambling State University. Prez, as he was affectionately known, was president during my matriculation at the College. He served the campus and the community for 41 years.

The university’s leadership changed in 1977. Dr. Joseph B. Johnson, a Grambling graduate and native of New Orleans, LA, assumed the presidency. His 14-year tenure included supervision and administration of a federal desegregation consent decree. The decree provided appropriations for many capital outlay projects, among which was a stately President’s residence. The physical plant expanded, and the university’s academic offerings increased. Many degree programs at the associate, bachelors and masters levels were added to the curricula. An Honors College, the professional schools of Nursing and Social Work, and a doctoral program in the College of Education were established.

In 1991, Dr. Harold W. Lundy, a graduate of Dillard University (New Orleans, LA) and New Orleans native, was appointed to the presidency. Under his leadership, the University’s first mainframe computer was acquired. Several construction projects were completed, and many buildings were renovated. The first $1 million endowed chair was created, and enrollment soared to a record high.

Dr. Raymond A. Hicks, a Grambling graduate and native of Opelousas, LA came to the helm in 1994, making him the university’s fifth president. Under his administration, a desegregation suit was settled and implemented. From this, capital outlay funds for construction and renovation of various campus buildings were received. The Master of Arts degree in Mass Communication was initiated, as well as the certificate, associate, and baccalaureate degrees in Paralegal Studies. Also, a unique partnership, The Louisiana Education Consortium, composed of three universities in the University of Louisiana System, was formed, offering a second doctoral degree program with concentration in two areas of education.

From 1997-1998, Dr. Leonard L. Haynes, III, a Southern University graduate and native of Boston, MA, served an interim term. During that period, the first University Economic Impact Study was conducted. A study abroad program in Central and West Africa was begun, and the Graduate Enrichment Fellowship at The Ohio State University, the institution from which he received his Ph.D. degree, was created.

The selection of Dr. Steve A. Favors, in 1999, made him the sixth president of the University. A native of Texarkana, TX and graduate of East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University at Commerce), he provided oversight and was successful in attaining reaffirmation or initial accreditation of all degree programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. Construction and renovation of several campus buildings were completed, and computer laboratories for students and faculty opened. Several endowed professorships were established by securing private funds that were matched with funds from the Louisiana Board of Regents. During his tenure, another level of national exposure was added to the university when the 42nd President of the United States, William Bill Jefferson Clinton, served as a commencement speaker.

Following my three-year acting appointment of January 2001- June 2004, Dr. Horace A. Judson, a graduate of Lincoln University (PA) and native of Fort Lauderdale, FL, was named seventh president in 2004. A massive influx of capital outlay projects occurred, including a new campus entrance, the building of state-of-the-arts residence halls, an improved and expanded Student Union, a much-needed, long-awaited assembly center, an upgraded bookstore, a modern food court, and several other campus-enhancing structures. The Division of Academic Affairs was reorganized, and an Office of Service-Learning was established.

The eighth president, Dr. Frank G. Pogue, was appointed in 2009. A graduate of Alabama State University (Montgomery, AL) and native of Mobile, AL, he implemented the state’s selective admissions criteria. He developed a strategic plan to ensure that the University remained active and viable throughout the 21st century and beyond. The opening of the GSU West Campus Annex and the offering of three online degree programs exemplify his goal of ensuring that the university would move forthrightly and competitively into this era of technological and innovative outreach.

While the aforementioned events are but a sampling of the legacy of each president, a complete listing of the activities, achievements, and milestones of each of these leaders is published each year as the Founder’s Week is celebrated. That document, Historical Milestones, evidences that from the early beginnings to present time, all of the university’s leaders, through their hard work, dedicated service and committed spirit, have had a major impact on Grambling State University’s reputation as an outstanding academic institution, attracting students from throughout the United States and many foreign countries. I am honored that history will count me among this group of distinguished educational leaders.

Chapter 1

Minding My Own Business

O n the afternoon of Thursday, January 4, 2001, I was sitting in an empty meeting room in the Claiborne State Office Building in downtown Baton Rouge, LA. I was minding my own business, waiting for the next session of the committee meetings of the Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System. This body, most often simply referred to as the Board, had direct supervision and oversight of eight of Louisiana’s public universities. Before I could move on to that next meeting, two board members entered the room and asked if I would accompany them to another room.

Of course, I gladly complied, but not before I quickly gathered a pen and paper to take notes for whatever the issue or assignment was awaiting me. I followed the board members to a room on another corridor, still not really aware of what was in store. Never in my wildest dream did I expect what was awaiting me. Upon entering the room, I was warmly greeted by System President Bobby Jindal and Board Chairman Andre Coudrain. Shortly thereafter, another board member escorted me to a chair and informed me of the reason for my being there. The System President informed me that our current president would not be serving in that position any longer. Then, it came! The group informed me that I was being recommended to serve as Acting President of the University. Needless to say, I was quite surprised, but more than that, I was filled with questions. Why? What happened? What did he do? Why me? Of course, these questions were never answered. What was important, according to the group, was my answer. Would I accept the appointment as Acting President of Grambling State University? To this day, I could never begin to describe the state of confusion I felt at having to answer. My hesitancy to answer was due to my not understanding why the change was needed. After all, I was serving under this President, and I was enjoying working under his leadership. Nonetheless, having worked in Louisiana higher education for as long as I had, I knew that if that decision had been made, nothing I said or did could or would have changed it. I knew that if the Board had made that decision, the University was going to have a different President. If it were not going to be me, it would be someone else. As they waited for my answer, I knew that there was only one answer that I could give. I knew that my answer had to be yes. This answer was based not on any personal desire or goal I had of ever being a President. Rather, it was based on the reality that this University was my alma mater. How, then, could I say anything other than yes? However, I did ask how long this acting position was expected to last. The committee indicated that the appointment would likely be for no longer than one year. With that in mind, I consented to serve. The committee accepted my affirmative answer, congratulated me, and gave me permission to select someone to serve in the area of the position which I was currently occupying—Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The System President informed me that the announcement of my appointment as Acting President of Grambling State University would be made at the general meeting of the Board on the next morning, Friday, January 5, 2001. The System President and the board members in the room congratulated me and pledged their support, but no one mentioned the big white elephant in the room. Nonetheless, looming over every spoken word was the unspoken problem that the university was facing. Everyone ducked under the cloud of doom that lingered over the university. While all of their words of encouragement and support were genuine and sincere, everybody tipped around that proverbial white elephant, the infamous symbol