By Emily Salisbury

Earlier this week the search committee for the Vice President of Academic Affairs hosted on-campus interviewsfor the two finalists, Dr. Gary Morris and Dr. Edward Huffstetler.

Dr. Morris, from Puerto Rico, was first up on Wednesday, January 29. Comments from those who attended his college community presentation interview said that he seemed confident and very professional. Dr. Morris is a big believer in the athletics of Glenville State College, saying that that was an integral part of the campus. Since Dr. Morris has been with us through financial difficulties, he may not support replacing professors who are leaving after this semester, a stance that worried some attendees. 

On Thursday, January 29, Dr. Huffstetler, a North Carolina native currently residing in Iowa, was interviewed. Dr. Huffstetler voiced the importance of balancing academics and athletics. He expressed that many athletes relied on scholarships, but this is an academic college. He said repeatedly that student learning is our reason for existence. He made it clear that he did not want to cut any programs.

The Phoenix wishes both candidates luck and expresses their gratitude to the search committee for allowing this opportunity to meet the two finalists.

UPDATE: On Friday, January 31, Dr. Kathleen Nelson sent out a notice that Dr. Gary Morris has accepted the position of Provost, saying "I have the pleasure to inform you that Dr. Gary Morris has accepted my offer to become GSC’s permanent Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.  Dr. Morris has served GSC for more than eleven years and has served in a variety of roles including tenured faculty, department chair, interim provost, and associate vice president."