THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 9, 1997 TAG: 9702090046
SECTION: FINAL PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PHILIP WALZER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 59 lines
Norfolk State University can improve its graduation rate without becoming very selective, Marie V. McDemmond said.
At other schools, ``I have seen students who did not meet admission standards and they were given the right support, both academically and self-concept-wise,'' she said. ``It works. I've worked with these students myself.''
McDemmond has identified ``student success'' as her top priority.
Norfolk State has said it will begin requiring a C average of most high school students this year. McDemmond said NSU needn't be more selective. ``If a student has a C, even a D average, maybe it is because the school system didn't excite them or enough people didn't care about them,'' she said. If the students are motivated, black colleges should give them another shot. ``We can't afford to lose anybody.''
McDemmond also said she hoped to fortify fund-raising by relying more heavily on alumni and by cultivating big-ticket gifts.
She will visit NSU at least twice this semester - this week and in April - to talk to President Harrison B. Wilson and other officials to get a better handle on the campus. She also plans to attend Norfolk State's graduation in May. She said she will not be involved in decisions until she takes over on July 1.
These are McDemmond's views on other Norfolk State matters:
Establishing more doctoral programs: ``Just because it's bigger doesn't mean it's better. Before I looked at new doctoral programs, I would want to assess the programs we have.'' A more economical approach, she said, might be to expand joint programs with Old Dominion University.
Shared governance: She wants to strengthen the role of the Faculty Senate, which has been virtually powerless. ``I believe it is healthy to have everyone at the table to make a decision. That does not mean all of us will agree. . . leadership where control is exercised with an iron fist. That is not the control and power I want.''
NSU's entry into Division I athletics: ``I'm a football addict. I believe athletics is critical in helping a school's image. . . . We (Florida Atlantic University) went to Division I two years ago. It's important as I see FAU's name on the strips (announcing scores) on CNN at night.''
Relations with legislators: ``My style would be to support everything with credible data showing them what is needed and the consequences if it is not supported. Once people get to know me and understand who I am, I think I will be very effective.''
Plans for a hotel affiliated with NSU: She would first like to examine occupancy rates of Norfolk hotels to determine if it would be profitable. Another approach, she said, would be to expand opportunities for hotel/restaurant management students with downtown hotels.
Wilson's future role: ``He will be very active in the transition. I really want his input and knowledge of where Norfolk State is and where it needs to go.'' After she becomes president, ``I would think there are times I'll ask his advice.''
Changes in NSU's administration: ``There will be some new people. . . . I expect quite a few changes.''
KEYWORDS: NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT PROFILE