Statement from the Board of Visitors: Feb. 12
The following statement was released on Feb. 12
by the Board of Visitors concerning the resignation of Gene Nichol as
president of the College of William and Mary. —Ed.
President Nichol has announced he will not serve the remainder of his
term. We had hoped that he would and regret his decision. The Board of
Visitors decision not to renew his contract after his current agreement
expires on June 30th was extremely difficult. President Nichol achieved
some outstanding things during his tenure. His energy and passion is
legendary. He is a truly inspirational figure who has enjoyed the
affection of many. After an exhaustive review, however, the Board
believed there were a number of problems that were keeping the College
from reaching its full potential and concluded that those issues could
not be effectively remedied without a change of leadership.
It is critical to explain that this decision was not in any way based
on ideology or any single public controversy. To suggest such a
motivation for the Board is flatly wrong. Indeed, the Board has been
repulsed by the personal attacks on the President and his family. The
uncharitable personal assaults are unworthy of anyone who professes to
care about the College and there should be no joy when things do not
work out between good people.
Many policies championed by President Nichol are fully embraced by the
Board. We agree unflinchingly with the President’s efforts to make
William and Mary a more diverse educational environment. His
achievements in this area will be the most enduring part of his legacy.
We will continue the pursuit with vigor and will insist that all future
presidents of the College do as well. We strongly support the Gateway
program and will work to put it on sound financial footing by building
an endowment that will allow it to blossom. Equally, we continue to see
the enormous value that attends to the efforts of internationalization
and civic engagement. And, so there is no doubt, the Board will not
allow any change in the compromise reached on the placement of the Wren
Cross.
The Board is cognizant that its decision will be deeply disappointing
to many, especially members of our faculty and student body. Our sacred
stewardship and full insight into the affairs of the College convinced
us change was necessary to advance the best interests of the College.
We understand the sense of loss and will work hard to heal all wounds.
But it is important to remember that William and Mary is stronger and
more enduring than any one person or any one board. It will continue to
rise and thrive through the ages. She is the Alma Mater of a Nation and
the vibrancy of our students coupled with the wisdom and dedication of
our masterful faculty will keep the College shining more brightly than
any star in the constellation of higher education.
The College will begin a search for a new president immediately. In the interim, the
Board will appoint Dean W. Taylor Reveley effective immediately to serve as President until a permanent leader is found.
See brief bio of W. Taylor Reveley at http://www.wm.edu/law/faculty/reveley-18.shtml.
See Q&A with BOV regarding non-renewal of Nichol's contract at http://www.wm.edu/news/?id=8676
