Re-Draft Dr. Melva K. Williams to Semi-Finalist for Chancellorship at SUSLA

Southern University at Shreveport is truly a "community" college understanding the pulse of it's neighborhood and entire community. The mindset of the institution was developed by many great leaders but enhanced under the leadership of now current Southern University System President-Chancellor (Baton Rouge Campus), Dr. Ray L. Belton. No longer having Dr. Belton in leadership have left the university searching for a new leader through it's appointed "search committee." I believe this search committee is comprised of competent people who can properly evaluate interested persons. However, I'm reminded that even competent people make poor decision.

A poor decision was made when the committee omitted Dr. Melva K. Williams (applicant) as one of the Semi-Finalist for the Chancellorship of Southern University at Shreveport. The candidates chosen are impressive on paper but don't understand the pulse of the community nor the current climate of the institution. I believe that only one of the applicants selected attended a HBCU and others may have taught at one. That's tough because any choice should "bleed" HBCU blood and yes I mean "bleed." However, none of them have lead during critical times during Louisiana Higher Education crisis but Dr. Melva K. Williams nor have connected with the community like her. Not only is she impressive on paper but outstanding in her current service to Southern University at Shreveport, LA. The committee should have taken this opportunity to select a semi-finalist who understand the current climate of the institution, the state, and community. Basically, SUSLA needs someone from within verses bringing in a outsider to handle what would be to them a "unknown" set of circumstances.

Let it be known that students, faculty, staff, alumni, and even community leaders are outraged and plan respond with a "Re-Draft Dr. MK Williams" amongst the semi-finalist. It's a must. SUSLA is a ship that needs to sail with a captain that know the sea. Dr. Williams knows the SEA!

Southern University at Shreveport as always been better severed when they've hired from within to fill the leadership role of Chancellor. Barnes and Belton are true testaments of great leadership for SUSLA.