news-record.com

GREENSBORO — Greensboro College’s board of trustees has formed a committee to find an interim president.

The group, made up of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members, will take on the task of replacing longtime President Craven Williams, who abruptly retired last month amid questions about his financial decisions and leadership.

Among those named to the committee, which will choose the college’s next long-term president:

• Jim Melvin, former Greensboro mayor and president of the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation.
• Royce Reynolds, founder of Crown Automotive Management Co. and Greensboro College trustee.
• Donald Watkins, Greensboro College student.
• John Woell, Greensboro College faculty member.
• Caroline Barber, Greensboro College trustee and alumna.

The small Methodist college has undergone one of the worst financial crises in its 171-year history.

Carrying more than $19 million in debt, the school has put most of its campus and its $17 million endowment up as collateral to Bank of America. The bank has extended the college’s line of credit, allowing it to meet payroll through the summer as it restructures with help from Charlotte-based NaviscentGroup.

Layoffs and salary cuts have been necessary in the past few months as the school attempts to get back on its feet.

Newly named board of trustees Chairman Carter Pate said the company Academic Search will assist the committee in finding the right candidate.

“Our primary objective, as these searches go forward, is to maintain Greensboro College’s academic excellence,” Pate said Wednesday.

“I want to assure our students and faculty that the board of trustees recognizes this mandate.”

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