Trustees could pick next Pres. by Feb. 1

Interim President Castell Bryant came on board two years ago at FAMU with a mission to overhaul its administration and finances. In her time in the president's office, there have been enrollment drops, fired business professors and a critical state audit, but also FAMU was declared the best college in America for black students by Black Enterprise magazine, new deans are in place in business, education and nursing, and there are fewer long lines at the financial-aid office (because of fewer students).

Meanwhile, many trustees are anxious to make their presidential choice at the Feb. 1 meeting. There, three finalists - James Ammons, North Carolina Central University chancellor; Howard Johnson, University of North Texas provost; and Thelma Thompson, University of Maryland Eastern Shore president - will be interviewed by the full 13-member board. The other option would be to wait until the board's March 8 regular meeting.

The search for a permanent president, which included hiring a private firm, has lasted more than a year.

"I'm going to strongly recommend that we get this done on Feb. 1," said the Rev. R.B. Holmes Jr., trustee and co-chairman of the search committee. "Once the entire board has interviewed the three candidates, I think it's proper and appropriate to select the next president."

continue reading at: Decision comes down to trust

Faculty gives Castell low marks

Castell's legacy of shame

SACS contridicts Castell & Hobbs

Final audit shows deficit