After 195 minutes of discussion and delegation in an executive session last Tuesday morning, the Board of Trustees announced interim President Carol Cartwright has committed to a two-year term, becoming the eleventh president of the University.
When Cartwright was named interim president in July, she held a firm stance that she would not be coming out of retirement to fulfill the president’s spot, but would instead aid in the national search.
‘Dr. Cartwright has firmly declined our hints she should take the role as president for months,’ said Trustee Chair John Harbal. ‘But finally our persistence paid off and she is what we think will serve the interests of the University.’
Cartwright, who served as president of Kent State University for 15 years, said she was finally pushed to take the position when Shirley Baugher resigned as University provost and vice president for academic affairs in December. She also acknowledged economic struggles the University will face in coming months.
‘The University maintaining strong leadership is an asset considering the search for a new provost, budget cuts to be made and the enrollment issue we are facing,’ she said.
Late last month, the University informed 43 administrative staff members they would be let go at the end of the spring semester. Cartwright hopes these cuts are only temporary, and said other changes will be determined during the spring semester.
‘We are trying our best to assess the upcoming situations and we have a strong leadership team ready to face the challenges and any decision being made will be made together,’ she said.
Cartwright was made president with a 6-2 vote at the general assembly meeting. The two trustees opposed stated they believed in Cartwright’s leadership abilities but do not want to call off the national search just yet.
Although Harbal didn’t know exactly how much money was spent in searching for a permanent replacement for former University President Sidney Ribeau, he said it was becoming too costly.
Cartwright is the first woman to lead the University. Her contract runs through June 20, 2011. Her salary will be $375,000 a year.
