Dear Board of Visitors,
I strongly disagree with your decision not to renew President Nichol's contract. I have read both your statement and former President Nichol's and found yours to be the one lacking clarity. You seem to agree with the four policy issues Nichol cited as "thorns." What then were the grounds on which you made your decision?
The only explanation in your statement is this:
"After an exhaustive review, however, the Board believed there were a number of problems that were keeping the College from reaching its full potential and concluded that those issues could not be effectively remedied without a change of leadership."
I believe that the College, its staff, faculty and alumni [not to mention Nichol himself!] deserve to know what these problems are and why Nichol could not lead us to our "full potential." It is unfair to those who support him not to give a FULL explanation. It is also irresponsible not to share with the William and Mary community any problems that face us as a whole.
I hope that a more complete explanation of your reasons will be forthcoming. As a recent alum I have been truly disappointed in the conduct of the Board of Visitors since I graduated in 2006.
Having followed the Wren Cross "crisis" from afar I can't help but wonder whether it was the threat of decreased giving from some large donors that prompted this latest decision. In the absence of an adequate explanation from the Board, I think many people will fear the worst. I sincerely hope that was not your motivation.
Our College and its leaders should be above such petty and individual pressures and should instead be focused on the common good - which cannot and should not be measured by the height of the William and Mary Fund thermometer.
I respectfully request that you respond to the questions I raise here. When I left William and Mary I was confident it was in safe hands but my confidence has been shaken today.
Respectfully Yours,
Jonathan Tew, '06
P.S. Please replace the contact information for the Board of Visitors on your website. The Web site gives the impression that the Board doesn't care what the community has to say.
Jonathan Tew is a staff columnist for The DSJ. His views do not necessarily represent that of the entire staff.