The Wofford College Board of Trustees, in consultation with the AGB Search LLC firm, is currently in the process of selecting Wofford’s 12th president. These Trustees have the unique opportunity and the responsibility to make a decision that will affect the future direction and reputation of Wofford as a desirable choice for prospective students and parents who seek a quality Christian, liberal arts education where students can excel in the freedom of classroom discussions and open debate involving independent critical thinking skills.
I graduated from Wofford in 1977. My daughter, my sister and her daughter also graduated from Wofford. My dad, Dr. Ray Leonard, came to Wofford in 1949 and began a 44-year career as Chairman of the Biology Department until he retired in 1993.
Wofford’s new president should be a visionary who is committed to healing the divided wounds within the Wofford community and leading our alma mater forward, validating the college’s past core values of merit-based decisions in student admissions, academic standards and faculty hiring. He/she must avoid the implementation of quotas, affirmative action and preferential treatment of students.
The Chronicle of Higher Education was quoted : “Since 2023, more than 300 colleges in more than 40 states have dismantled DEI programs and policies.” Wofford should be a leader in this national movement to discontinue the DEI ideology of espousing discriminatory identity politics which has resulted in the polarization of students, faculty and alumni.
Wofford’s new president should be tasked with avoiding these divisive issues and be allowed to immediately focus on restoring unity, trust and confidence within an administration that is committed to Wofford College again being a politically neutral institution devoid of partisan politics within the administration and faculty.
My hope is that the Trustees will recognize the many values of hiring a president who appreciates the long revered distinctions of Wofford College.
Walt Leonard, DMD – Class of 1977
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