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Huge backlash
Rehired!
Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends of Hampden-Sydney,
By now, many of you have heard the news stories or have seen the social media postings about my decision not to re-hire LTG Jerry Boykin as the Wheat Professor of Leadership in the Wilson Center. The national attention that this brought upon the College is something that I never expected, nor is it something that I wanted.
Late yesterday afternoon, we announced via the College’s Facebook page that I reached out to Gen. Boykin earlier in the day and asked if he would consider returning to the College next year. He readily agreed and has accepted another year's contract to teach in the College's Military Leadership and National Security minor as the Wheat Professor. In our call, he expressed his love of the College and its students and that he is honored to teach for another year.
At the end of the 2016-2017 academic year, the College will continue with my plan to restore the Wheat Professorship to short-term appointments that will allow our students a wider opportunity to learn from leaders not just from the military, but also retired CEO’s and citizen leaders from many backgrounds including the government, non-profit organizations and others.
Hampden-Sydney College is a gem in American higher education, and none of us, especially me, want to see the College damaged by the events of the past few days. I know that all those alumni and other constituents who expressed their opinions did so out of a genuine affection and concern for the College. Hampden-Sydney needs you to be with us in our pursuit of Forming Good Men and Good Citizens and it is my sincere hope that you will remain fully engaged with the College and its students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dennis G. Stevens
Interim President
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943
434-223-6110
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