FERNANDES, FORMERLY OF GALLAUDET U. & UNC-A, IS OFFICIALLY OURS

On April 15, Jane Fernandes was announced as Guilford College’s ninth president and successor to Professor of Political Science Kent Chabotar.

“I feel that my whole life has formed a path leading me to Guilford,” said Fernandes in her official reaction statement. “As a person born deaf, I have profound appreciation for the value of silence … It is rare to find a kindred community that values both silence and dialogue.”

Since the announcement of the new president, the community has been buzzing about Fernandes and why she was the best fit.

“She was the only candidate who said she wanted to be here,” said Kami Rowan, associate professor of music and presidential search committee member. “None of the other candidates said that.”

After Chabotar announced that he was stepping down, the presidential search committee narrowed a list of 95 strong applicants list to three finalists; the board of trustees then reached a Quakerly agreement on Fernandes.

Fernandes brings to the College her experiences as a provost and on-the-ground, for-the-students vice chancellor at the University of North Carolina at Asheville and as a major administrator at Gallaudet University.

As vice chancellor for academic affairs at UNCA, Fernandes managed 230 faculty and 161 staff while administering a budget of more than $40 million.

Some of her other responsibilities at UNCA included academic support programs, admissions and financial aid, and the university’s library and information technology services.

When the search committee was formed, the members outlined some of their ideal expectations for the next president. Among them was maintaining a deep appreciation for the College’s Quaker-inspired values and staying dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts.

“You’re not hiring a resume, you are hiring a person — a person who has an intangible connection to the school,” said Ed Winslow, trustee and rising board chair.

Fernandes’ commitment to the school showed during her open on-campus session on April 1.

“I went to all of the sessions,” said Rowan. “(Fernandes) gave her presentation for some of the staff and went to the student session. That session really challenged her, and she showed the positive change that comes from a community setting.”

Fernandes did not repeat the same presentation for both the staff and student session. Instead, she responded to the student-specific concerns and adapted a better understanding of the students’ commitments to transparency and to the Quaker values.

“When she was asked questions, her answers were really catered to the students,” said sophomore Josh Williams.

Fernandes’ duties as Guilford president will officially begin July 1.