University of Central Oklahoma
Nigh, Wert selected as presidential contenders
TUESDAY February 11,1992
The Student Voice Since 1903
Lillard to close door President to become traveler, author
By Sam Powell Staff Writer
Two University of Central Oklahoma faculty members were selected last week as finalists for the position of university president, sources said. Former Gov. George Nigh and Dr. Frank Wert both confirmed Friday that they were part of a final field of 11 candidates. The 13 member selection committee had pared down the original field of 61 last week, and mailed letters of acceptance and rejection. In an article printed Feb. 4, The Edmond Evening Sun said committee chair Belva Howard refused to name other finalists. However, Howard did say that approximately 60 percent of the remaining candidates are not Oklahoma residents. That may indicate that three or four of the final 11 are from Oklahoma, but The Vista had no confirmation that any candidates other than Nigh and Wert were from UCO. Originally the committee was to select 10 candidates, but there was a large gap separating 11 applicants from the remaining 50, Howard said.
By Sam Powell Staff Writer
See related stories, page 3
An official from the state attorney general's office said there had been a question as to whether Nigh could be a candidate because he appointed three of the current nine regents. Wayne Salisbury of Clinton, Valree Wynn of Lawton and Belva Howard of Tulsa were all Nigh appointees. The official said the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Association of University Professors had inquired as to the legality of the situation, and the attorney general's office had decided not to respond. One selection committee member, who requested that his name not be used, said he would not reveal the finalists identities, but that Nigh's honesty should not be questioned. "Although I can't comment on any individual applicant, I have no problem whatsoever with someone questioning an applicant's qualifications," he said. "But when someone questions the integrity of the applicants I have a problem." He said the committee had completed its task and would not meet again. See Selection, back page
Photo by Mark Zimmerman
Dr. Bill Lillard said he will be closing the door on a long and distinguished career as president of the University of Central Oklahoma this summer, and opening a new door as a world traveler, author and media personality. As he sat in an office steeped in almost two decades of memories, he discussed plans to see the Far Fast and England. "We want to do some traveling," he said. "It won't be like having to get back to the office because the work is piling up." "We want to continue these experiences," he said. "It's wonderful to walk into Victoria Station and say 'This is where Churchill and Ghandi used to leave from.' I would like to go to Malaysia and Singapore. It was where Hemingway used to hang out and do some of his writing." Lillard said he enjoyed his job and had never seen a day when he did not want to go to work. He said he feels that watching a student grow into a well-educated citizen is the most rewarding career a person can pursue. And he isn't going to stop now, he said. "I don't want to retire and just do nothing for six months," he said. "I plan to do some writing, basically dealing with court ordered integration of public schools, and maybe some radio and television shows in the area of education." Lillard said his experiences in education and administration have prepared him to be an authority in his field. He was superintendent of Oklahoma City schools longer than anyone, and his tenure at UCO has spanned 17 years, more than any other president. Lillard said many things have happened during the last 17 years that he is proud of. He said professors salaries are now comparable to the state's comprehensive universities, but at one time they were the lowest in the regional system. He is also proud of the fact that when he came to UCO it was a university composed of schools, but now it is made up of colleges. He said it is important for a university to have the proper nomenclature. He said the new name has been a change for the better in most people's eyes. "The reaction that seems most positive is the recent name change," Lillard said. "When you say Central Oklahoma most people know what you are talking about. You don't even have to say 'university. Lillard said he feels one of his major contributions has been to relieve the school of a large portion of its debt. "Last year during our centennial year we paid off all of our bonded debts," he said. "This is very unusual for a growing university. Most people don't realize that the state doesn't pay for residence halls and the University Center. "I can say when I step out that I didn't leave you in debt." V