In light of the economic crisis and the severe budget reversions ETSU faces in the coming years, we have seen a university phenomenon: the un-retirement.
I am delighted that ETSU President Paul Stanton Jr. has decided to stay with the university until the crisis has abated (although this has robbed me of the touching feature story I had planned on writing about his retirement, complete with details on his rose garden and “The List” – that will just have to wait).
Many others have also chosen not to “abandon ship” at a time when it might be easiest to pass the problem to someone else.
There is no doubt in my mind that when Stanton leaves, he will be remembered as one of the greatest presidents ETSU has ever had, especially for his work in growing this university and developing its programs.
His decision is undoubtedly because we shouldn’t be “changing horses mid-stream” – especially when that stream is a horrendous, muddy torrent made up of millions of dollars in cutbacks. It’s the responsible thing to do.
But if Stanton does choose to retire within a year, or even two years, I do not believe that this university has to change horses – I mean presidents – at all.
Dr. Wilsie Bishop, currently the chief operating officer and the vice president of health affairs, has inspired a great deal of admiration within the community of this university.
Last Tuesday she presented the Budget Reversion Task Force’s findings even-handedly and thoroughly.
I have interviewed Dr. Bishop a few times, and I find her to be an incredibly intelligent woman who cares deeply about this area and this university. She could fill Stanton’s shoes with ease.
The stress on the university of easing into a new presidency would also be greatly diminished, and some poor soul from Rhode Island or Oregon would not be forced to learn this university’s history, culture, organization and administration in one fell swoop.
So whenever Stanton does decide to un-un-retire, the Board of Regents should get down on its knees and collectively beg Dr. Bishop to take the keys of Shelbridge – and the reins of this university.

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