ITTA BENA, Miss.
Dr. Lester C. Newman, the embattled president of Mississippi Valley State University, announced his resignation Friday, effective July 15.
Newman, 55, was the target of a “no confidence” vote in February by the historically Black college’s faculty senate. Then, Newman sought to create a committee of faculty and administrators to improve communications and undertook a reorganization that saw many longtime staff members moved to other jobs at the 3,100-student campus.
Newman had hoped to get the reorganization approved by the state College Board in July.
Newman and board members met behind closed doors this week, but Newman declined to comment after leaving the meeting.
“I have a great love for Mississippi Valley State University,” Newman said in his resignation announcement. “It is because of my love for Valley that I have made this decision. It is my hope that the faculty, staff, students and alumni will continue on the journey that we started toward pre-eminence and move the institution to new and greater heights.”
Newman also said he would explore other opportunities, but did not say what they were.
