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GREENSBORO — Greensboro College could have an interim president as soon as next week, according to Robert Stout, chairman of the board of trustees.

The school has been without a leader since President Craven Williams abruptly retired last week after 16 years.

“An executive group of the trustees are interviewing a candidate, someone outside the school, for the interim president position this week,” Stout said Monday in his first interview since Williams’ retirement.

“I would like to have a new (full-time) president chosen by the time students arrive back on campus in the fall,” Stout said. “I hope that’s realistic. This isn’t just like hiring someone to run a company. It’s different.”

Stout said a faculty leadership group is handling day-to-day operations at the 171-year-old Methodist-affiliated college with help from Charlotte-based NaviscentGroup, the company hired to help restructure the college.

Williams was credited with helping the school grow — physically, financially and in stature — as president. But last week he retired amid controversy over the college’s financial instability and mounting debt, including nearly $1 million in past-due bills.

Relations between Williams and the school’s 75 faculty members had been tense since Williams announced layoffs and an across-the-board salary cut of 20 percent in April. According to faculty members, a vote on Williams’ leadership was coming. Stout denied that anyone at the school asked Williams to resign.

“I was as surprised as anyone when he called and told me he was resigning,” Stout said. “He didn’t really give a reason; he just said it was in the best interest of the school. And I had to listen to his wishes.”

Williams has not returned phone calls or e-mails since the announcement.

Stout said he wants the search for a new president to begin as soon as possible and he expects a large number of applicants.

“We need to find someone to maintain this school as the liberal arts college that it is and secure the future of the school,” Strout said. “I guess we’re really looking for another Craven Williams.”

Local college leaders had their own ideas about the qualities the school’s next president should have.

“First and foremost right now, I think it’s financial acumen,” said Kent Chabotar, president of Guilford College. “You have to have someone who has those skills, and also someone who is a real communicator, like Craven was. Someone who can reach out to people in the community and get them to support this school right now.”

High Point University President Nido Qubein said the school’s new leader also needs to restore and improve the college’s brand.

“Today in higher education, especially for private schools, you have to offer something more, you have to distinguish yourself,” Qubein said. “That means first and foremost offering an incredible educational experience but offering more, and becoming known by everyone for being exceptional.”

Julianne Malveaux was a successful writer and editor before becoming president of Bennett College for Women in 2007. She said the college should keep an open mind when looking for its new leader.

“If you look at some very successful presidents today, they don’t always come from the academic side of things,” Malveaux said. “It’s not always who you might think.”

Contact Joe Killian at 373-7023 or joe.killian@news-record.com