move forward in a positive way in the past, and I am sure we will in the future as well.


What initial impression do you want people to have of you?


I’m approachable, and I am transparent. I am a leader who wants to listen to others’ input and will actually use that input and communicate back why we’re doing what we’re doing. That’s the impression I want to give, and it is how I’ve led before and will lead here at Winthrop.


Do you plan to continue teaching?


I taught every other year when I was at Kent State, which was unusual for deans. I love to teach and


“Winthrop does a lot of things right in offering students a great education in a place where they can grow intellectually, socially and globally.”


would like to do it again, but my main focus for the next year will be making a smooth transition to the president’s role.


What will be your relationship with the students and how do you plan to get to know the student body?


Students are the reason that we are here. I plan to be very visible on campus, whether attending athletic events, enjoying a play, welcoming students at recruitment events, or simply stopping by to eat lunch with them at the cafeteria. It’s important to me that they know who I am and that I am here to


listen to their concerns on what we can do to make their Winthrop experience even better. This will certainly include having regular interaction with the student leaders on campus and involving students in our strategic planning process and other important activities.


Is football in Winthrop’s future?


Along with the information we currently have on the possibility of football, I think there’s more research to be done before we will be in a position to make a decision. But I want to make that decision by the end of the school year.


How do you see Knowledge Park fitting into Winthrop’s future?


I come from a university that has partnered in similar ways with a downtown redevelopment effort, and I’ve seen the results. In Kent, it has dramatically changed the community and brought increased business to the downtown. It also has benefited Kent State, and we believed the development contributed increases in student enrollment. I have also seen benefits when attracting faculty and staff. We were all winners because of the collaboration in Kent, and I hope for the same here in Rock Hill. I was glad that Knowledge Park officials visited Kent in early June to see firsthand the development. I look forward to learning more about how Knowledge Park will benefit both our students and the surrounding community.


What are your hobbies and interests? What is the last book you have read?


I enjoy fantasy football and compete with others in a league. I also enjoy exercising and am a regular at the West Center on campus. As for books, I’ve recently finished books on the history of Rock Hill and the history of Winthrop, and “The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader” by John Maxwell. Unfortunately, I do not get to read for pleasure too much—most of the books I read are work related in some way.


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