During a press conference on April 23, Rodney Gaddy, chairman of the board of trustees of Saint Augustine’s University, named Everett B. Ward Ph.D., interim president after a change in administration was announced earlier this month. “We have been focused in recent weeks,” Gaddy said, “on finding the best person to fill the role of president on an interim basis. In naming Dr. Ward today, we are confident we have chosen the right person at the right time.” “Dr. Ward is a son of Saint Augustine’s University, having earned his Bachelor of Arts degree here,” Gaddy continued, “and he has remained a strong supporter and leader, including serving recently as chairman of the board of trustees.”

“My top three priorities for Saint Augustine’s University are clear,” Ward said at a news conference. “I will roll up my sleeves and work hard to make sure all of our stakeholders are aware that Saint Augustine’s University is alive and well and will remain so into the future. I will also focus immediately on our students, faculty and staff to reinforce the wisdom of their decision to choose Saint Augustine’s University as a place to work and study and for alumni and donors, a wise place to invest. And, third, I will put together a team to undertake a thorough assessment of our fiscal management policies, practices and procedures and make recommendations to put us on firm financial footing.”

“Given the significant level of positive feedback I have already received,” Ward added, “I have every confidence these priorities can be accomplished.”

Ward resigned his position as director of Historically Black Colleges and University Institutions/Minority Institutions of Higher Education Program with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to accept the interim presidency at Saint Augustine’s University. In an earlier role, Ward served as NCDOT’s director of Intergovernmental Affairs and special assistant to the deputy secretary for Environment, Planning and Local Government. In addition to his undergraduate degree from Saint Augustine’s University, Ward holds a master’s degree from North Carolina State University and recently earned a Ph.D. in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T State University.

“Like nearly all institutions of higher learning, we have our share of challenges in these difficult economic times, Ward concluded, “but by working together we will restore Saint Augustine’s University to its rightful place a premier institution of higher learning.”

Click here to view a message from Interim President Ward.