The WVSU Free Press

After nearly a quarter-century on the job, the embattled president of West Virginia State University has decided to call it quits a week after a revolt by the school's faculty

Hazo W. Carter, Jr. announced today he has finalized plans to retire following recruitment and installation of a new president. Carter’s announcement continues the succession plan that he outlined to the Board of Governors in March 2011.

The announcement came following a closed-door meeting of the University’s Board of Governor’s Special Committee on Personnel Matters and Policy to discuss a response to a vote of no-confidence the faculty senate passed last week. Citing, among other things, declining enrollment, a nearly $1.5 million budget deficit and a poor image in the community, the resolution passed 67-15 with 14 abstentions.

Today’s Board meeting was one of two emergency meetings originally scheduled for this week following the no-confidence vote. It remains unclear if the other scheduled for this Friday at 2:15 p.m. at the Erickson Alumni Center will still be held.

In announcing his retirement, Carter extended thanks to those who’ve supported him since he became State's 10th president in 1987

“It is an honor to lead this great university,” Carter said. “I thank the students, alumni, faculty, staff, the Board of Governors and members of the community for offering me such a deeply rewarding opportunity.”

Details were not immediately available as to the terms of Carter's retirement.

According to a university press release, during Carter's tenure WVSU recovered its land-grant status, became a university, maintained continuous accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, established master’s degree programs, and received recognition as a research institution by the state and federal government.

Also, Carter was appointed chairman of the state's Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission in 1999 by then Gov. Cecil H. Underwood. It remains unclear if he will retain that position following today's announcement.

“We all celebrate Dr. Carter’s dedication and thank him for his time with us and his historic legacy,” said Larry L. Rowe, a Charleston attorney and the Board’s chairman.
“The university’s stature and mission have grown under Dr. Carter’s leadership.”

According to Rowe, the Board will begin a national search for a new president. The search is expected to be completed by July 1, 2012.

Sources tell the Free Press that R. Charles Byers, State’s vice-president of academic affairs, is slated to be in the interim president until a replacement is found.