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Wilson exits SCSU board,
makes way for Sanford pick By GENE ZALESKI--T&D Staff
Writer
A South Carolina State
University Board of Trustee member has announced
his resignation from the school's governing
body.
Gov. Jim Hodges' appointee
and Chairman of Academic Affairs John E. Wilson
submitted a letter of resignation May 12, SCSU
board Chairman Maurice Washington
confirmed.
Washington said Wilson
approached him with a letter of resignation with
the sentiment that he "served at the pleasure" of
the former governor and that it was the
appropriate time to allow the current governor,
Mark Sanford, to appoint someone of his
choice.
Wilson could not be reached
for comment.
Sanford's spokesman Will
Folks said Wilson's tenure was simply coterminous
with former Gov. Hodges' service, thus allowing
Sanford the option of replacement.
"He is in the process of
looking at candidates for that role," Folks
said.
Folks declined any further
details on the selection process or when a final
selection would be determined.
Washington, however, said
the resignation is thought to have paved the way
for Sanford's desire to diversify the all-male
SCSU board.
BellSouth Corp. executive
Marsha Scott Smith, one of the highest ranking
African-American females in the corporation, is
believed to be a front-runner for the
position.
Washington expressed his
uncertainty as to when the new appointment would
go in effect except by hinting that it would most
likely come prior to the board's retreat held the
second week in June.
When asked if the decision
or its timing had anything to do with Wilson's
often-outspoken concerns regarding the
university's financial situation or the election
of a new university president, Washington denied a
connection.
"I encouraged him to stay
on until the presidential search process had
ended, but he felt it inappropriate to pass
judgment on something that he would have no
oversight over," Washington said. "He did the
gentlemanly thing and stepped out of the
governor's way."
Elected to the board in
2002, Wilson chaired the university's Academic
Affairs Committee and served on its institutional
advancement; marketing, public relations and
fund-raising; 1890 Research and Extension, and
extended studies committees.
He also serves as president
of Wilcolo Enterprises Inc.
Despite the resignation,
Washington expressed his hopes about the
possibility of seeing Wilson return to the board
in the future.
"We would welcome him
back," Washington said. "He is a wonderful
individual who served with dedication and
distinction. He had the impeccable loyalty and
commitment and vision. We are better as a board
... as a result of his service."
T&D Staff Writer Gene
Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com
or by phone at 803-533-5551.
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