Rudley to take the helm
Board selects UH interim president as final candidate
Arthur Monroe
Issue date: 1/23/08 Section: News
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Editor-in-Chief
Texas Southern University's Board of Regents voted 9-0 on Friday, January 11 to select a former college and federal administrator as the university's final candidate as the 11th president of the university.
John Rudley, 60, recently served as interim president of the University of Houston.
"I think he is going to be an asset to TSU, because he has a lot to bring to the table," said Jasmine Pope, Student Government Association President.
She said that she was pleased with the work of the presidential search committee and the Board of Regents in selecting a final candidate. She felt that there were other candidates who were also qualified for the position, but said that with Rudley's academic experience, he will be able to create change quickly in order to make TSU stronger in the future.
Rudley, who was chosen over Houston city manager Anthony Hall, is no stranger to TSU, having previously been employed at the university for six years serving in a number of positions including three years as vice president for fiscal affairs. However, he will have to wait to officially take control of the reigns of the university because state law requires the university board to wait 21 days before they can finalize the appointment.
In an official statement Rudley said, "It is a singular honor to be selected as the next president of Texas Southern University and…I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and I will do my absolute best to honor that trust."
When he does take over the largest HBCU in the state of Texas, Rudley will have his plate full with the numerous challenges that face the 60 year old university, including declining enrollment, low graduation rates and waning alumni support. Last fall the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools placed the university on probation, demanding that the university rectify its financial and management issues. All these issues, along with a struggling athletic program can seem like an overwhelming job, but Rudley said that he is confident that he can handle the tasks ahead.
Many were not surprised by the Board's decision to choose Rudley. Board chairman Glen Lewis was openly supportive of the candidate, stating that his extensive background in finance especially higher education finance, would make him a great leader for the university. Though others may not share his sentiments, everyone will be watching to see what he can accomplish.
Rudley's only HBCU experience came at TSU. After leaving TSU, he went to work for the University of Tennessee system, and the U.S. Department of Education. For the last five years he has found himself in the head office of the University of Houston. He has served as the vice president for finance at every university he has worked.
Rudley earned a bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Toledo, a master of education in administration and supervision, and a doctor of education in administration from Tennessee State University.
TSU has been without a president since June 2006, when the board fired Priscilla Slade. Since Nov. 2006, General J. Timothy Boddie, has been taken the helm of the university as its interim president.
Arthur Monroe, Jr. is a graduate student at Texas Southern University and serves as the 2007-2008 Editor-in-Chief of the TSU Herald. arthur.monroe@gmail.com
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