Cordell Black, the associate provost for equity and diversity whose dismissal sparked large-scale student protests last fall, will not return to this university next semester and may apply to be the president of Norfolk State University in Virginia.
Black will continue at this university through June, he said, and will then pursue “special assignments” within the university over the summer. He plans to work with minority faculty members and students participating in the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education College Success Scholars program and plan a conference at Nyumburu Cultural Center, he said.
Although Black said his 30 years at the university were a “rewarding and gratifying experience,” he also said he looks forward to spreading his desire to eradicate “social wrongs” at another nearby institution.
“I’ve gotten calls from several universities,” Black said.
He would not confirm or deny a report from the journalism school’s Capital News Service identifying him as a front-runner for the presidency post at Norfolk State, a historically black university, but said articles about his contact with universities have been “exaggerated.”
“It’s premature for me to make comments on that position,” Black said. “If it were to open, I would seriously give attention to tossing my hat into the ring.”
Norfolk State just began its presidential search last month, according to a spokeswoman there, and has yet to assess its requirements or hire consultants to help with the search.
Black has an uncle who holds an administrative position at Norfolk State University.
Black said he has also considered working for the federal government’s Department of Education, but he is looking for any administrative job where he could have more influence than he would as a literature professor.
“My commitment to social justice and human fairness can be more effectively handled outside of the classroom,” Black said. “I’ve been accustomed to having more influence to concerns that have been vital to most of my life, like equity, diversity and inclusiveness. Those objectives can be facilitated better in an administrative position.”
Black plans to take a six-month sabbatical starting in September to compile a book of his own speeches, as he searches for another job.
Two student leaders said they foresee Black successfully promoting social justice at whatever institution he decides to establish himself.
“I hope that someone like Dr. Black would work at a major university because the practices that go on in state school make a big impact in small schools and even nation-wide,” said Kelechi Agbakwuru, co-president of Community Roots, a student group that promotes ethnic diversity.
Jacob Crider, president of Coalition of Latino Student Organizations, said Howard University would seem to be a good fit for Black, but he could do good work at any university with a diverse student body.
“I feel that if he went to a predominantly minority institution he could do a lot of work because he would have a much stronger base. And he would influence the general community in the area,” Crider said.
Many students and faculty members said Black will leave a lasting legacy at this university.
Sharon Harley, an African-American studies professor, said she will forever remember Black’s personal financial contributions to help low-income students study abroad and attend academic conferences.
“For a cross-section of the student population, faculty and staff, he will be greatly missed,” Harley said. “People felt deeply for his level of sacrifice.”
“I think it’s our loss as a university to lose such a dedicated member of our community, for whatever reason the provost gave,” Agbakwuru said.
An estimated 600 students demonstrated in front of the Main Administration Building in November after Black was suddenly dismissed by Provost Nariman Farvardin, but the protests and subsequent meetings were unsuccessful.
quijada at umdbk dot com
