BRISTOL, Va. — In a move that appeared sudden to outsiders, on Jan. 25 trustees of Virginia Intermont College called for president Michael J. Puglisi to step down.
And in what college administrators and trustees said was unrelated to the president’s resignation, the school announced it will reduce personnel by about 40 persons.
Puglisi had served as president of the Virginia Baptist-affiliated college in Bristol for five years and had seen the institution through severe economic challenges that threatened to close the school three years ago.
Michael Puglisi, shown during his inauguration as president of Virginia Intermont five years ago, has struggled with the school’s financial challenges. (Virginia Intermont photo)
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Puglisi was successful in turning back the financial crisis by raising philanthropic funds for the annual operating expenses of the college, including $3.5 million last year.
In a prepared press release, Wayne Kennedy, chair of the college’s board of trustees, said, “I know I speak for the entire VI community — students, faculty, staff, donors, alumni, the community, and trustees — in thanking Mike deeply for taking on a difficult job and leading this college with determination through severe challenges. The college is stronger because of these challenges and because of Mike’s leadership.”
Robert Rainwater, religion professor and dean of religious life on campus, will serve as interim president during which the trustees will mount a national search for a new president.
Rainwater echoed Kennedy’s sentiments. “Everybody related to VI — students, staff, faculty and the trustees — think very highly of [Puglisi],” he said. “He is one of the straightest arrows on campus. Even though the change had to be made the trustees still grieved over it. They like him as a person.”
He continued, “Higher education in general is experiencing a lot of change; significant reorientation in some ways. In changing conditions, leadership is also changed at times. The trustees had some changing priorities and changing goals and they decided to change leadership. It seemed prudent and although it appears to be a sudden move, the decision had been in process.” He was adamant that no allegations of misconduct of any sort had been leveled.
For his part, Puglisi emphasized that it was simply time for new leadership.
“With 2010 beginning, the time is right following the hard work of these last several years for the college to have new leadership and fresh perspective. I was asked to serve as president when the college faced significant hardships. I am enormously proud to have helped navigate those hardships,” he was quoted in the press release.
In a separate press release, printed in its entirety below, cost-cutting measures, including personnel reductions were announced. Rainwater emphasized that Puglisi’s departure was not related to the cost-cutting measures being taken by the college.
Rainwater remains optimistic about the future of VI, citing increased enrollment of 40 percent in the fall of 2009 with enrollment in the 2010 fall term projected to be even larger.
“By establishing a solid and sustainable financial foundation today, the college will be stronger and more capable of meeting our vision to be one of the best Christian-based colleges in the Appalachian region,” Rainwater said in a press release.
The following press statement, headlined, “Virginia Intermont implements plan to strengthen financial future,” was released last week:
Dedicated to a mission to provide an excellent liberal arts and Christian-based experience to students from Appalachia and beyond, Virginia Intermont College is taking proactive steps to excel as a 21st century institution. The college implemented a bold vision and restructuring plan Thursday, Jan. 28, to reduce expenditures, enhance revenue and accomplish a solid financial foundation. Dr. Robert Rainwater, acting president of the college, said wise management required steps to be taken immediately. Campus leaders spoke to faculty, staff and students in a series of small group meetings.
“By establishing a solid and sustainable financial foundation today, the college will be stronger and more capable of meeting our vision to be one of the best Christian-based colleges in the Appalachian region,” Rainwater said. “Our plan is a reflection of the care that we have for our students and the college as a community and an institution.”
Like many small colleges, financial stability is a challenge, especially during the current recession. Because tuition revenue does not completely cover operating expenses, Rainwater said the restructuring involves ensuring that all ongoing expenditures are aligned with actual revenues. The college is reducing discretionary budgets and examining all operations to identify and reduce inefficiency or duplication. The reductions include a loss of personnel.
Rainwater stressed that after a 40 percent increase in new students this past fall, enrollment figures are increasing for fall 2010, and college officials and trustees have worked diligently to increase endowment funds, which are vital.
“We must live within our means and we must further increase our endowment to meet our needs and vision for the future,” Rainwater said. “Those who believe in the college and our mission are encouraged to demonstrate their support through financial gifts.”
As part of the plan, the college will use revenue enhancements and one-time reserves to restrict budget reductions to as low as possible, and will implement reductions in phases to lessen the impact on students, staff and faculty, as well as programs.
“This is a very sad necessity that impacts approximately 40 employees personally, their families and the entire VI community,” Rainwater said. “These losses are painful. Virginia Intermont is like a family. Each individual is valued and will be greatly missed. All of the affected employees will be contacted individually, and the college has committed to provide them with support services and counseling as needed, to help them through a difficult period of transition.”
Through the vision and restructuring plan, developed by working diligently for two years to evaluate the viability of every program and aspect of operations, the college will ensure that every student enrolled will progress to graduation without any impact on the quality of their educational experience.
Jim White is editor of the Religious Herald.