Conferees were asked to offer suggestions to the president for improvement. The facilitator stressed the need for comments to have a constructive purpose. In order to encourage helpful, rather than only negative or hostile responses, the facilitator asked conferees, "If you could whisper in the ear of the president a constructive suggestion that would be the greatest help to him or the university, what would you most want to whisper?" These are the answers, presented in the language of respondents. The statements are made in direct address to the president. While the conferees were willing to comment on potential areas for enhancing the president's performance, it is very clear from the feedback that the campus community is solidly behind the direction the president has charted for Kentucky State University. This is especially striking, given the newness of the president's tenure.

These concluding comments are largely drawn from proceeding sections, from the facilitator's experience with this and other institutions and from comparisons with many presidents around the country. The facilitator understands that the university president and Regents will make their own observation from their closer-hands perspective.

It should be apparent that President Brown has worked hard to benefit the university and the community. His accomplishments in a very short period of time are “rock solid.” He has made significant change in the context of understanding the significant challenges and opportunities facing KSU. The participant responses are clear. The KSU community support President Brown’s initial efforts. He is providing leadership and direction the vast majority believe is good for Kentucky State University. The data support this conclusion. This seems to be more than just a first year “honeymoon” response to a desire to have more stability in the president’s office. The support for his leadership runs deep.

Dr. James C. Renick REVIEW FACILITATOR TM2 EXECUTIVE SEARCH June 7, 2018