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Dr. Sessoms tells city council; let my university go
BY RA-JAH S KELLY
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University of the District of Columbia’s new president
Dr. Allen Sessoms.
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University of the District of Columbia’s new president Dr. Allen Sessoms laid out a detailed and expansive vision for the university during a September DC City Council hearing.
One of Dr. Sessoms’ first priorities listed in his presentation was the creation of a community college separate from the university, a goal to be accomplished according to him “within the current academic year.” Initially the community college would be on the current campus however, the president made clear that as soon as a building could be secured it would be moved to a separate location.
In his presentation to the council Dr. Sessoms also outlined other ambitious goals including full scholarships for all D.C. residents pursuing degrees in nursing (starting in the 09-10 academic year) and significant improvements to the university’s physical facilities.
He made it clear however that the accomplishment of any of those goals was predicated on autonomy or “functional independence.”
Citing a Middle States Commission (UDC’s accrediting body) report released in 2005 that stated the “The University of the District of Columbia has significantly less administrative flexibility than most government institutions,” Dr. Sessoms repeatedly drove home the point of UDC needing independence from the city government, while also promising the council greater accountability in its actions.
Over the years a major issue for UDC has been that most of its financial transactions must be processed and approved through the D.C. government’s Office of Contracting and Procurement, a caveat that adds significant time (generally at least 30 days) to the most basic of financial tasks.
Dr. Sessoms told council members, “We are seeking autonomy and we will provide accountability and flexibility in return.”
For some, particularly those currently working in the administration, one of the most interesting parts of Dr. Sessoms testimony may have been the portion where he detailed his changes to the administrative structure at the university. He has already eliminated two positions in the president’s office and three Vice Presidents positions. He also spoke about launching national searches for the Provost and the Vice President for Student Affairs positions and was particularly adamant about the Chief Information Office position saying “Technology is a mess.” Students can also expect a new Athletic Director and a push to move into Division One athletics, he said.
Most recently president of Delaware State University, Dr. Sessoms (according to his resume) doubled their endowment in two years, increased enrollment 20 percent, inaugurated doctoral programs in neuroscience, applied optics and applied chemistry and established the college of health and public policy.
Although he has been a controversial figure during his nearly two decade career in higher education, he has also been what University Board of Trustees president James Dyke called “an acknowledged change agent,” something the Board felt UDC needed.
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