A former trustee of Alabama State University, who was a member of the search committee that recommended Gwendolyn Boyd as the new president of the university, has now penned a statement apologizing for supporting President Boyd’s appointment.
Donald Watkins now says that he doesn’t think Dr. Boyd has the experience to be successful in her job. He noted that the university’s credit rating has been reduced three times and the university was placed on accreditation warning by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and he doesn’t believe President Boyd has the ability to adequately deal with these problems. Watkins states in his letter that he believes President Boyd has an “unholy alliance” with “Tea Party Republican Governor Robert Bentley” and “treats ASU trustees as political outcasts.”
Watkins also criticized Boyd for raising only $26,500 for the university during her first 100 days in office and for accepting a $1,000 car allowance from the university when she does not own an automobile.
The controversy at Alabama State escalated when Governor Bentley removed the chair and vice chair of the board of trustees. The board members allegedly had financial conflicts of interests with the university. But Governor Bentley also believed the board members were trying to usurp the power of President Boyd by changing the by-laws of the board without his approval.
One of the two board members removed by the Governor, is threatening to sue the university saying he was removed from office without due process.
Old African American men, who allowed ASU to fall into its present state, resents a brillant Female President, Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, who is showing strength and courage to lead ASU, that has been and is in trouble due to their greed , into the 21st century of success. Shame on Watkins,Wiggins and all the others who has and is standing in her way.