PETITION REQUESTING A MEETING WITH THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
TO: Chairman of the Board, Mr. Dallas R. Evans & the Morgan State University Board of Regents
FROM: Morgan State University, University Council
PURPOSE: To meet & discuss with Chairman Evans & the Board of Regents the rationale behind not renewing the contract of President David Wilson.
ISSUE: The Morgan State University Board of Regents decided not to renew the contract of President Wilson beyond June 30, 2013, which is difficult to understand, given the 2 positive reviews of President Wilson’s performance over the past 2 years. The Board of Regents has offered no information supporting this decision & there was no indication that the Board of Regents was dissatisfied with President Wilson’s work.
The Board of Regents also seems to have violated its own By-Laws that clearly state:
ARTICLE VI, Section 8. “By vote of a majority of the Board members present at any meeting, the Board may enter into closed session, which shall not be open to the public. The purpose of the session & the reason(s) why it is to be confidential shall be announced in advance of the vote for closure. During any closed meeting in which the Board will discuss the President's position, salary or evaluation, the Board may excuse the President from attendance of such discussions. No final or binding action shall be taken in a closed session.”
BACKGROUND: President Wilson is a recognized leader within higher education with an international reputation. Dr. Wilson is a man of great integrity, knowledge, skill & moral conviction. He is an avid proponent of shared governance, is student-centered, & has inspired & motivated the faculty, staff & students at Morgan with his caring, open & transparent leadership style. President Wilson has brought dignity, professionalism & respect to the Office of the President, & through his writings & speeches has a clear vision for Morgan’s future. Dr. Wilson’s reputation has increased the visibility of the Morgan brand, & allowed the University to experience enrollment growth, increased contract & grant revenue, & renewed respect within education circles in the state of Maryland.
PETITION: As a result of President Wilson’s exemplary work for nearly 3 years, the University Council is requesting a face to face meeting with the Regents & Chair of the Board to clearly understand the reasons behind the decision not to renew the contract of President David Wilson. The University Council requires this important information in order to properly inform the faculty, staff & other members of the University community. The key to genuine shared governance is broad & unending communication.
