A top Ohio University administrator is a finalist for the presidency of Langston University, and his departure would mark a 100 percent turnover among OU’s vice presidents in the past three years.
Kent Smith, OU’s vice president for Student Affairs, was selected as one of four finalists for the presidency of the historically black Langston University in Oklahoma.
Ayers and Associates, a search firm based in Arlington, Va., contacted Smith about the position late last year.
“I knew of Langston University, but I’ve never been to the campus nor had any ties to anyone in Oklahoma,” Smith said.
Other finalists include Myron Pope, vice president of enrollment management at the University of Central Oklahoma; Phillip Birdine, president of Western Oklahoma State College; and Charles Williams, vice president for academic affairs at University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Langston University’s former president, JoAnn Haysbert, left the school last year. Henry Ponder is serving as interim president.
Smith is scheduled to visit and interview at Langston University Jan. 17-19. He will have separate interviews at the university’s Tulsa, Oklahoma City and main campuses.
The Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges will announce its choice for the new president during a board meeting Jan. 20, said Vickie Jackson, special assistant to the president and director of public relations at Langston University.
The university listed various expectations, criteria and qualifications for the position on its website.
“You’re looking primarily for an outstanding leader,” said Doug Wilson, executive secretary for Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges.
Smith said he was not searching for a new position and has not sent out any
other applications.
“I’m a two-time graduate of Southern University, which is a historically black university,” Smith said. “For me, it’s been a long-time dream to be the president of (a historically black college or university).”
OU President Roderick McDavis said he was aware of the announcement, which was officially made by the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges earlier today.
“It’s bittersweet: On the one hand, we would love to have Kent Smith stay as our vice president for Student Affairs,” McDavis said. “On the other hand, we’re very proud that other institutions see his talent and skill set to the extent that they named him a finalist for the position.”
Smith said that, if he were selected for the position, his exit from OU would not be immediate.
“I can tell you, if they were to offer the position to me, I definitely don’t see a very quick departure,” Smith said. “Quite honestly, if a university wanted me to leave very quickly … that’s probably not the university for me. I owe OU more than that.”
Smith, who is the longest-tenured of OU’s five vice presidents, came to OU in 2006 after serving as dean of students at Auburn University.
bv111010@ohiou.edu
