Ayron Lewallen writes in The Maroon Tiger that while the Dr. John Silvanus Wilson era is coming to an end, ideally, he would have liked to lead Morehouse College for another 20 years. “Wilson’s undying love and passion for the College will be greatly missed,” Lewallen writes.
From The Maroon Tiger:
This year, students, faculty and alumni are anticipating celebrating the College’s 150th year of existence. However, some unexpected news has shifted focus to another matter. The Board of Trustees decided not to renew the contract of current president Dr. John Silvanus Wilson after his current one expires in June of this year. This decision seems as though it has come at the most inopportune time given the historical significance of this year.
In a press conference held on Jan. 17, Wilson was asked about his feelings toward the Board’s decision.
“I recognize fully that any president serves fully at the will of the trustees,” the Philadelphia native said. “They’ve made a decision here. I respect that decision, and the best thing about it is that it gives me the opportunity to be president for the next six months, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
Wilson’s term length as president will be significantly shorter than some of the others who have served in the same capacity. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays served the institution for 27 years and is the longest serving president in Morehouse’s history. John Hope, Morehouse’s first African-American president, served for 25 years, while Dr. Hugh Gloster served as president for 20 years.
Head over to The Maroon Tiger to read more.
