Newspapers / Winston-Salem State University Student … / May 1, 1991, edition 1 / Page 2
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Page 2 The News Argus — May 1991 Editorial Think Innocent Before Guilty News Argus Report Maurice Odine As a society, we have set cx)des and rules that govern human conducL Some of these codes and rules are written, while others are a matter of acceptable practice based on societal norms or values. While it's easy to define, and sometimes redefine unwritten codes and rules, those committed on paper are less likely to be manipulated by mankind. Thus, the justice system has, in an attempt to prevent individual manipulation, inscribed the exercise of justice on paper and ink to serve American generations. Above all, the exercise of justice is one of the corner stones in constitutional democracy. Unfortunately, though, even the written codcs and rules of human conduct aren't free from human manipulation. It becomes, therefore, troublesome to those individuals who have come to believe, and rightly so, that one is innocent until proved guilty. Winston-Salem State University's Chancellor Cleon Thompson has, all of a sudden, been in the news incessantly during the past several days. Also unfortunate is the fact that some of us are what may be described as detractors, be they current or former employees, bystanders, and many others who have vicious motives. These are persons who have developed a negative attitude toward all successes made by one they regard as foe, and persons who would do all in their power to sabotage worthy gains. Believe it or not, many folks fall under this category. Say what you like, the tenure of Chancellor Cleon Thompson at Wmston-Salem State shouldn't be obscured by the recent negative press coverage. His leadership has brought lots of tangible results to the university. Nearly two years ago, the Chancellor became concerned about the efficiency of administrative processes at WSSU. Noting that reporting roles play an important part in enhancing efficiency, he instituted the concept of "Performance and Accountability" which has become a commonly used phrase among supervisors and employees. This concept has resulted in increas^ concerted efforts in achieving the desired goals of the university. The Chancellor was also aware of the opportunities that abound in mass communications, particularly on the part of minorities who are vastly underrepresented in media organizations. He was not reluctant, at all, to creatc a Department of mass Communications to provide specialized education in Advertising/Public Relations, News-Editorial, and Radio-Television. As of fall 1988 when the department was established, there were 20 majors. Now, the program has 210 majors. We live in a world that is dictated by the pocketbook, and in which business has, and continues to play, a leading role. To add to the quality of instruction in the Division of Business and Economics, a Department of Business Administration, and a Department of Accounting and Information Systems, have been added to serve students. An Endowed Chair in Accounting has also been established. How easily we forget. But let's remember that the WSSU Football Rams are the CIAA 1990 champions. This success wouldn't have been attainable without the full and unllinching support of Chancellor Thompson. Beginning Fall, 1991, a Department of Physical Therapy will be in place to provide added professional training for students. Besides obtaining program approval from the UNC General Administration, Dr. Thompson's leadership enabled the university to receive external funding amounting to nearly one million dollars toward the development of the program. The students, faculty, and staff would be technically out of business in the absence of sound academic programs. These program must satisfy ceruin criteria set by SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). Yes, Winston-Salem State University Faculty Advisor; Maurice Odine Editor: Brandon Williams Sports Writers: Ron Vample Joe Knoes Photographers: Chuck Hanes Tbny Wright Tbrry Mitchell LuCreita Rawlison Staff Writers: W illiam C.C. Carter ' Dorothea Vanhooke Stephanie Hairston Rena' Williams Laurance DeShields Dorinda Patterson Veleska Mathes Michaell Parker The News Argus reserves the right to refuse publication of any article, photograph or illustration that is deemed inappropriate for its readership. All submissions must be turned in for consideration in a timely manner The News Argus staff resen/es the right to edit all editorial submissions. For advertising information, please call (919) 750-2327. The News Argus assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. has been accredited by SACS for the next ten years. Other accreditation procedures have included NCATC (National Council for AccreditaUon of Teacher Education) and SDPI (State Department of Public Instruction). It's just a few months ago that the university received another battery of negative press coverage about the nursing program. It, too, had been judged and condemned before its trial. Under the leadership of Dr. Thompson, the nursing program hasn't been closed. Instead, it has received Board approval. In February 1991, the program scored 1(X) percent on the NCLEX board exam. Financially, the university is heading toward a solid foundation than has ever been the case. The Chancellor launched a capital campaign fund that has thus amassed over $15 million. This money will be used for improving academic programs, providing faculty research and development, as well as to erect buildings for dormitories and student services. Furthermore, funds derived from the campaign will permit the university to purchase additional land to house integral parts of the university. WSSU Alumni Association has become more active, and pledged $2 million toward the capital campaign. Chancellor Thompson hasn't expressed admiration for the status quo in what concerns enrollment at WSSU. To this end, enrollment is projected at 3,067 by the year 2000. The developed ten-year plan reflects anticipated graduate programs. Certainly, an article of this sort can't adequately articulate the merits of Dr. Thompson's leadership during his tenure at Winston-Salem State University. It's merely an honest attempt to make sure that his positive contribution toward the development of WSSU is not obscured by the latest barrage of negative publicity in the news media. No critic of the Chancellor is such a Saint that he/she is free of weakness or criticism. As one great Man put it, let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Above all, let's desist from passing judgment in the absence of complete details. Besides the long-standing maxim that a person is innocent until proved guilty, many of us persist to indulge in convicting the innocent The least we owe ourselves is to be objective, not judgmental, in dealing with allegations. As responsible citizens, we must be mindful that the justice system is to protect, not convict the innocent. Editor's note: Dr. Maurice Odine is Chairman of the Department of Mass Corrmurncations at Winston-Salem State University. Black Women Are Being Downplayed In Society Today, in the Black community, the role of Black women is being downplayed. Many Black women historical figures are not given the same coverage as that of Black men. Historically, Black women have been the foundation of the Black family. Today, some young women are feeling that they are have a right to enjoy the success attributed to working hard and achieving independence through this success. The one question that many Black women face is "Do they have to face being alone, in order to be successful?" Many Black men feel that Black women use their Editorlaly Spealing Stephanie Hairston being asked to pul aside their career goals in reference for Black males who traditionally haven't had the same career decisions. If you ask a young single Black woman who has had some degree of success in the business world, she will tell you that she has a hard problem of finding a compatible Black maa A lot of Black women agree that this is a very crucial issue. Many Black women are earning higher salaries than Black men in their prospective fields. This fact puts the already fragile relationship between Black women and men in danger of becoming extinct. This also causes a situation where many Black women find themselves financially well off and alone. Many feel that the Black women has lowered her values, in order to achieve success in the business world. However, many Black women will argue that they financial status to intimidate them and have no respect for them as men. These views and others were expressed in Shaharazhad Ali's latest book entitled, The Black Mans Guide to Understanding the Black Woman. This book had caused a lot of controversy in the Black community, many critics have considered it to be unfair and highly of Black women. However, a significant number of Black men agree with the overall message of the book, that Black women and men's relationship are getting worse and something must be done to correct it. There are no easy answers to the and problems facing between Black women a men. Although one thing is for certam. Black women will continue to be an economic force on their own. In decades to come, they will recognize even more so the economic potential that they have yet to utilize.
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May 1, 1991, edition 1
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