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University of Mary Washington President Judy Hample says her decision to resign was 'personal' and not forced by board of visitors.
BY JEFF BRANSCOME University of Mary Washington President Judy Hample, who abruptly resigned last week, says she realizes some think they are "entitled to know everything." Still, she won't say why she resigned, nor does she plan to address the university community about her departure. "My reason is personal," she said. "A personal reason is just that--it's personal. I'm not willing to elaborate." Hample sat down with The Free Lance-Star Wednesday evening to discuss a variety of topics, including accomplishments and controversies during her short-lived presidency. Hample will have served two years of a five-year contract when she leaves her post June 30. She said she told the board of visitors about her resignation at a dinner meeting last Thursday, a day before it was announced. "My departure from UMW has nothing to do with UMW," she said. The board of visitors did not ask her to resign, Hample added later. Hample, 62, would not discuss her future plans. Before coming to UMW, she was chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, which oversees 14 public universities. The UMW board will conduct its third presidential search in three years and must name an acting president. William Anderson retired from UMW in 2006 after 23 years as president. William Frawley succeeded him, only to be fired in April 2007 after being charged with driving under the influence twice in two days. Hample, who was hired in March 2008, says she doesn't blame herself for the revolving door. "It's unfortunate that there's been turnover, but I can't and I won't hold myself responsible for that, because I have a very good personal reason for leaving," she said. Hample spoke at length about her accomplishments, including the university's recently approved strategic plan. That document, which outlines UMW's future, calls for colleges of business and education and other initiatives. "I was the person who put that on the table and promoted that and helped to build support for that initiative," she said of the colleges of business and education. She disagrees with those who say she doesn't communicate with students and faculty. Hample noted that she held several forums seeking input on the strategic plan.
As a former alumna of UMW (when it was MWC), I am appaled and saddened that our first woman president should leave with nary a word of apology or explanation except that it is "personal." A set of sparkling credentials, past glories and self-promotional advertising cannot replace the outstanding record of caring, loyalty and pride that always characterized the tenure of our beloved Dr. Alvey. The presidency of UMW is not just a job - it is a cherished commitment.
Does Hample take responsibility for anything or just cast blame onto everyone else to justify her actions? She is living in her reality, the issue is it isn't REALITY. One has to start to wonder is she just like a "postal employee"? What additional damage can she bring about in the next four months, hopefully the Board will come to realize, get her out NOW, just pay til June, but even she admits she is a "lame duck", so if UMW is paying her til June why let her continue to do additional damage...
It's hard to know where to begin, but the negatives I felt
about her were confirmed by her comments to the FLS. On
meeting or talking to students and stating that there is only
one of her and I guess only so much time ... I would say
College President Management 101 for Dummies ... Talk
with your clients (... those are the students). You provide
services to them, maybe it would be good to see how you
are doing.
"Everything shes done, Hample said, has been to improve students academic experience." I am with sahmom, who keeps hiring these people? A drunakrd, an idiot, what is next?
vetting her and getting references...maybe they should be replaced too.
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