by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Former Sheriff Nat Glover was introduced as the 29th president of Edward Waters College Monday, outlining his plan to put the oldest private institution of higher learning in Jacksonville back on track.
Glover has served as interim president since May and was appointed president Saturday during a meeting of the board of trustees.
Glover had a message for college staff and faculty who filled Milne Auditorium at the college’s Kings Road campus during the introduction.
“I pledge to you to protect, at all costs, the reputation, honor and integrity of this great institution,” said Glover.
Glover said reducing expenses, recruiting and retaining students and raising money were goals he’d continue to pursue “now that I’ll be here for a while.”
He said the school would operate solidly by implementing models for efficiency and productivity.
As for recruiting students, Glover said the latest freshman class of 330 students was one of the largest in school history. He said the key would be retaining them, which received applause.
“We want them back in as sophomores, we want them back as
juniors and we want them as part of the largest graduating class,” said Glover. “We have to retain our students. They are our greatest ambassadors.”
Glover said he’d actively pursue funding for the college and referred to the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s financial pledge as progress.
He said in the past, people would visit and ask how to help, but officials didn’t know how to carry through on the offer. Glover said he’d be the one accountable.
Glover succeeds Claudette Williams, who left for another position. Bishop McKinley Young, board of trustees chair, said the board began to seek a successor for Williams, but people in the community said they already had the right man.
“People were telling us we already had the person we’re searching for,” said Young.
Glover said it was an honor to serve and while his “legs were a little shaky at first,” he believes he can accomplish the job.
“It’s a new day for Edward Waters College,” he said.
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