Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder decides not to take job as president of Virginia Union Univ

Jet, August 17, 1998

Former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder recently withdrew as the next president of Virginia Union University in the wake of criticism over his plan to replace about a dozen administrators at the college.

Four days before Wilder had been scheduled to take the helm of his alma mater, he announced that he would not assume the position.

"I think such action would be best for all concerned and would hope that this would end any speculation of perceived disruptions at the university," Wilder said in a brief press statement.

Some Virginia Union board members had objected to letters Wilder sent out seeking the resignations of about a dozen top administrators. They claimed Wilder was moving too fast and worried that the school would not be prepared for the fall semester if positions were vacant.

In his statement, Wilder said leaders of the private historically Black university did not ask him to withdraw.

"There's been no suggestion from anyone at the university that ! take this action," Wilder stated.

Wilder, who graduated from the university in 1952, added, "Though I deeply regret not returning to my alma mater at the helm, I will always be there for the university and give it support."

Dr. Frank S. Royal, chairman of the university's board, said he respected Wilder's decision and wished him well. There was no indication when the vacancy would be filled.

Wilder, who became the nation's first elected Black governor in 1989, left office after his term ended in 1994 and has been practicing law and teaching political science at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.