News and Events
Wednesday Memo
November 18, 2009
UM board of trustees makes announcement about UM presidency | ‘On the Verge’ opens this Friday
UM board of trustees
makes announcement about UM presidency
George Walker, chairman of the Board of Trustees for the University of Montevallo, announced Tuesday, Nov. 17, that Dr. Philip Williams will resume his position as president of the University of Montevallo on Jan. 4, 2010, following his current sabbatical. Walker went on to announce that Dr. Williams looks forward to serving out the 2009-2010 school year, but has decided to offer the Board of Trustees his resignation as president of the University of Montevallo effective July 31, 2010, following a recent mediation process.
The agreement was reached after eight hours of mediation sessions Nov. 5 and 6 at the University, which was preceded and followed by one-on-one and face-to-face discussions. Walker and Dr. Williams each thanked Dr. James Fisher for his efforts as mediator that ultimately resulted in this agreement.
Dr. Williams stated, “I am very pleased that we have reached this agreement, which will allow me to resume and to complete the work I set out to do when this academic year began back in August. There is much remaining to be done, and I look forward to getting back to work on Jan. 4, 2010. I would like to acknowledge the support that I have received from so many members of the campus community, and I call upon all of them to now join with me in insuring a very positive outcome for this academic year now that the mediation process has been completed. The idea to engage the services of a mediator reflected the creative intelligence of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. I have also greatly appreciated the commitment shown by the Board of Trustees during the mediation discussions, as well as the work of the mediator, Dr. Jim Fisher. All of us, working together, have demonstrated how much this wonderful university means to us, and how important it is to put the interests of our students first.”
“Notwithstanding the sincerity of those efforts, and after a great deal of soul-searching, I have reached the conclusion that the best interests of the University would be served by a fresh start. I believe the University would greatly benefit from the leadership of another president. I have therefore asked the Board of Trustees to accept my resignation from the Office of President of the University, effective July 31, 2010. During the spring semester, I will assist the Board, as it may request, in preparing the University for the transition to new leadership. I have every confidence that the reputation of the University of Montevallo will attract an outstanding pool of candidates and will continue its upward trajectory in the years to come.”
“I have enjoyed my time at Montevallo, and I look forward to completing a successful four-year term in July. I want to thank the Trustees for having the courage to offer me my first college presidency, and I hope that my performance here has justified the confidence that the Trustees showed in me in making that offer.”
Walker, speaking on behalf of the Trustees, stated, “We look forward to the completion of another successful year for the University of Montevallo under the direction of Dr. Williams. He has proven to be an extraordinary president. He has, over the last three and one-half years, energized and excited students, faculty and staff. He has led and overseen important improvements, including the 2009 Strategic Plan, the construction of a new student dormitory, and the transition of athletic programs to the Peach Belt Conference. And he has served as an ambassador for our institution throughout the state, the nation, and, indeed, in China as well. Dr. Williams has set the bar high.”
Walker announced that the trustees will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 25 to formally approve the agreement, and to discuss the appointment of a search committee to begin the search for a successor to take office on Aug. 1, 2010.
‘On the Verge’ opens this Friday
UM Theatre will present Eric Overmyer’s On the Verge, a cleverly crafted “linguistic labyrinth” in which three women explorers begin their journey to Terra Incognita in 1888, only to discover they are wandering through time as they navigate unchartered territory populated with pop culture and opportunity.
The production will run Friday, Nov. 20-Tuesday, Nov. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 2-Saturday, Dec. 5. All performances will take place at 7:30 p.m., except the Sunday, Nov. 22 performance, which will be a 2 p.m. matinee. All performances will take place in the Chichester Theatre.
Members of the student cast and crew are:
Mary—Leslie Baird Hinson
Alexandra—Marie Pope
Fanny—Jerrica Cleckler
Man #1—David Wencil
Man #2—Logan Reid
Assistant director—Karow Wilson
Stage manager—Naomi Armand
Assistant stage manager—Melissa Shirley
Scenic design—Stephen Frausto
Sound design—Brian McLendon
Choreographer—Zach Clemons
Faculty designers include:
Costume design—Emily Gill
Lighting design—Kel Laeger.
Tammy Killian is directing.
Tickets are $12 general admission, and can be purchased in advance by calling the box office at Ext. 6200 or at the door pending availability (seating is limited).