Elizabeth City State University
a
September 1983
Vol. 45 No.2
Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins,
Acting Chancellor
»'I
by R.J. Walker
I walked into the large,
impressive office with one of
my photographers (Bill
Parson) and expected to
receive the typical run
around routine that most
people in leadership positions
tend to give me . Boy, was
surprised! I was on an in
terview assignment that
turned out to be the best that I
have ever had. It was
pleasent, comfortable, and
finally moving.
I was in the office of our
Acting Chancellor, Dr.
Jimmy R. Jenkins, who
promptly greeted us with a
warm smile, a friendly
handshake, and an invitation
to be seated. Then my in
terview began.
Q-“Dr. Jenkins, do you
have a message you would
like to extend to the
University?”
A-“ Yes, I believe that this
university is on the verge of a
giant leap forward in terms of
its position in the University
of N.C. System and as a
historically black institution.
First of all, we are moving
into a new era of technology
that will eventually
revolutionize our total
operation and the quality of
our performance and
achievement. We have been
fortunate enough to negotiate
for and receive the necessary
funds to finance a major,
university-wide program and
to compete for the best
qualified staff to help us with
our new curnculumn and
program in technology.”
Q-“How much do you think
this program will cost?”
A-“We expect to spend
approxiamately $700,000.00,
this year alone, in order to
provide computers for the use
of students, faculty and ad
ministrative staff.
We are also in the process
of completing a new land
scaping program which will
make this institution com
parable in appearance to any
public institution of its size in
the state ofNC.”
Q-“How do you feel about
ECSU as a black institution?”
A-“ Historic ally black in
stitutions have been
recognized in the past simply
by the appearance of their
campuses. We realized that,
because of our limited
resources and personnel, our
campuses couldn’t look like
our predominantly white
sister institutions. However,
today, with the understanding
and assistance of the General
Administration of the
University of N.C. System we
are now able to direct our
attention to the aesthetics of
our institution, as well as our
academic programs. A few
years from now, you will no
longer be able to ride by here
and identify this institution as
predominantly black by
merely looking at the
buildings and grounds.”
Q-“How do your feel about
the location of ECSU as a
factor in its future?”
A-“Actually we are ideally
located in what we might call
a ‘blessing in disguise.’At one
time, being located here
seemed to be a disadvantage.
It was hard to recruit
students to come to school
‘way out here.’ We have been
able to turn this ‘way out here
in the boon docks’ attitude
into a promise of an ‘Oasis in
Northeastern N.C.’ because
our location actually places
us in the imique position of
unlimited growth. Also, we
are not bothered by the
problem of duplication of
programs because the four-
year institution closest to us
in NC is 120 miles away.”
Q-“How do you feel about
your experience as Acting
Chancellor?”
A-“I have found it to be
both exciting and definitely
challenging. As an alumnus
of this institution and then a
teacher, Assistant Vice
Chancellor for Academic
Affairs, Vice Chancellor for
Academic Affairs, and finally
Acting Chancellor. I have
been priviledged to see ECSU
from every possible per
spective and through many
junctures in its history. Right
now, ECSU is at the threshold
of deciding whether it will be ‘
ECSU - The University of
Northeastern NC ’ or ‘ECSU -
... we are moving into a new era of
technology that will eventually
revolutionize our total operation..
which happens to be located
in Northeastern NC.’ Its
decision will depend upon
everyone involved with the
University - the students, the
faculty, the administrative
staff, the alumnae, the
community-at-large, and the
State and University System
leadership. However, above
all, I believe its decision will
depend upon the leadership of
its Chancellor.”
Q-“Do you feel that you are
in the best position to provide
this leadership as Chancellor
of ECSU?”
A-“Because of the range
and depth of my experience
over the years at this in
stitution, I certainly desire
the opportunity to provide the
leadership that is inherent
only in the Chancellorship. At
this particular time, I believe
it would be inappropiate for
me to comment on whether or
not I am in the best position to
assume this role. As you
See
Jenkins ,
page 2
Inside...
"Purlie”
Fish Bowl Shutout
Alumni Sailing for Vallhalla
Vikings on the New Gridiron
A.J. talks with President Anderson
Potpourri
Literata
A New “Idiot^’
Walk-a-thon Report
New Drunk Driving Legislation
Sing-a-rama for a Former Student