Since 2002, President Kent Chabotar has presided over Guilford College. In 2014, all of that will end.
Chabotar recently announced his plans to retire effective as of June 30, 2014. His current plans are to return to Guilford as a professor of political science after a year-long sabbatical.
“This is the season and time for me to do something else after twelve years in a job I have loved doing almost every day and in almost every way,” said Chabotar in his retirement announcement on the Guilford website.
Chabotar declined to comment further on this personal subject to The Guilfordian.
“Kent is a very enthusiastic teacher,” said sophomore political science and economics major James Missell. “He just teaches the material in a very reasonable and great manner … I think he’s done a great job (as president). He came into Guilford when Guilford was really hurting.”
As one president leaves, an important question emerges: Who will step up and fill his shoes? A popular answer among both students and faculty is Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Aaron Fetrow.
“That’s a very flattering rumor, though there are a lot of things between now and then,” said Fetrow. “If the timing is right for me and the timing is right for Guilford, then that would be something I would embrace. If not, it’s not.”
“Kent has been an excellent manager of the college,” said Professor of English Jim Hood, another rumored candidate for the job. “The things that he was brought in to fix have really gotten back on track.
“Like Kent, I really wish there was something we could do about salaries, but there’s only so much money in the pot. There are things that are really a matter of emphasis rather than right or wrong.”
While there are certainly many people who are well-equipped to lead Guilford into the future, the selection process will be an arduous one.
“The board of trustees drives the train,” said Fetrow. “It’s their decision ultimately, but with very close consultation with faculty and staff. Also, there will be a committee chaired by someone on the board with faculty, staff and probably a few student leaders as well.”
For over a decade, Chabotar has been the face of Guilford. When obstacles are successfully navigated, he is celebrated. When problems occur, he is condemned. Regardless of anyone’s personal feeling towards Chabotar, it is undeniable that he will be remembered at Guilford for many years to come.
“I have said repeatedly that the Guilford history books will be kind to Kent Chabotar,” said Fetrow. “He was given a mess, to be quite frank, and he is leaving us in very good financial standing. (With) any president, any leadership role, even my role, it is easy to throw rocks. He has always looked at me and said about Guilford — about anywhere — to always leave it better than you found it, period.”
