Alabama State University Montgomery - Hornet Yearbook (Montgomery, AL)

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OEREP Mirrows Watkins, Seven Fruitful Years In 1963, it was a mere Faculty Affairs Committee; In 1969-70. it is a Faculty Council. Dr. Levi Watkins Mar endl Council President in a meeting of The Council which considers A Fair Share Gift Program of the Universityls Foundation. Others in photo: W. H. Coston, D1: Robert D. Reid, Chester Mallory; IBelowl Dr. Watkins administers the Graduate Pledge at his first commencement as President in 1963. May. 1969-70 marks the seventh year in the presidency of Dr. Levi Watkins at Alabama State University. Watkins ascended to the helm of Alabama State as actin President by appointment of the State Board of E ucation as of October 1, 1962. He became president January 1, 1963 following 42 years of Nor- mal School-College intellectual and academic mys- tique of Trenholm and Trenholmethe late George W. tthe fatherJ and the late Harper Councill tthe sonl. This 1969-70 year finds Watkins completing a cycle Whose kernel seven years ago was accreditation efforts and whose kernel now is a reaffirmation of that acereditation attained November 30, 1966. Watkins' year seven is punctuated with a new Uni- versity status with two degrees of freedomefree to move forward or free to stand still. Watkins has ap- parentl chosen the former, that is to move forward. At the beginning of his seVen years, Watkins proclaimed. in a formal state of the College Speech, October 4, 1962, ttThese things we shall do, through Hplacing the influence of the preeidentls office at the complete disposal of those who care enough to accept the challenge we now have . . ., including some changes in policy, procedure and in personnel as- signment in order to move tlunhesitatingly along the certain and reasonably well defined course Which leads to accreditation. In doing so, he set a course Htrying not to be all things for all men; but trying hard to be the best President you know . . . Recruitment of personnel for key administrative and teaching posts was placed amon Watkins' top priorities; progress in this vein move satisfactorily. As of 1970, recruitment continues a top level priority such that the defmed role of the University will be implemented and the unmet needs of the pee he will be consummated through the genius of its in ividual faculty members. Visiting Committee of Southern Association on campus reevaluating Alabama State for reaffirmation of accreditation. tL-Rl: Dr. Walter Washington, Dr. Francis G. Lankfot'd. Rich- ard M. Turner. III! C. E. Bums. Dl'. Kermit M. Diggs. Dr. Howard Jordan, Chairman; Dr. Levi Watkins, Dr. E. Roy Ep- person, Dr. Lee Harwell, Dr. Jack Bogel', and D1: Clifford Lyons. t r 1' ill '.'. runn-

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University President In His Seventh Year

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Beginning his seventh year, 1969-70, the Presi- dentts state of the Universit speech could well W These things we have done' ettOERE PP There has been organization and continued refine- ment of that organization. The University and its president have evaiuated and they have been evaluat- ed. The University has been enjoined and it has en- joined; The University and its head have rewarded and they have been rewarded. In rewardin the president initiated the Presidential Gold Me alien and honorarium award in recognition of students for most exemplory achievements and contributions, in citizenship, academics, encouragement to fellow students, faculty members, and administrative of- ficers in the pursuit of excellence in the conduct of personal and academic affairs. Most recent awardees for 1969 spring were Pamela Renee Lover, Cynthia Moore, Linda McKenzie Edwards, Jo Ann Morgan, Larry James Williams, and Robert Williams. The University has benefited from outreach and it has reached out; The University and its head have been judged excellent, evidenced by the University being accorded accreditation, and we now reaffirm that judgement. The Universit has emerged; and now it must extend and make lrm that emer ence. The University and its head have provoked am? they have been revoked; The University and its leader protested tge Universityts unaccredited status and now protest is heeped upon them to make accrecita- tion more meaningful through curriculum improve- ment, personnel and plant improvement for quality education which was basic to the first accredited status earned. There have been errors and there Were relative perfections: There were important presences on our campus and there were disruptive presences; there were replacements; and there were threats to have replaced. There was removal and there were re- generations and retentions. 1;. ' ! 'llliI!!l .II III. President Watkins attending to documentary details which will bring benefits to the University's expanding development in curriculum, faculty. personnel. and plant improvement. 0n the eve of the seventh year, there were faculty exchangee with a great university. In 1963 there were prolectlons; and these were fulfilled in part; there are still new projections. In it all, there were good times and those times not so good. There were some regrets and disappointments. But as Watkins says of 1969-70HttThis has been a good year. We say the seven Watkinst years have been both good, exciting crises producing, crises met and not so excit- ing. Above this and all else, Watkinst seven years have been M 085 FR UITF UL. University Foundation. Board of Trustee Meeting, April 24, 1970 in the Faculty Dining Room: fL-Rt Mrs. Bessie Estell, W. E. Thompson, Henry A. Spears. Administrative Officer; Leatis Peterman. Secretary- Treasurer: Prince G. Stollenwerck; Dr. Levi Watkins; and Mrs. A. G. Gaston, President of the Board. Absent are Dr. W. H. Benson, R. W. Nesbitt, and Robert Gaddis. 23