by Jamel Shorter

At SGA’s April 6 meeting, President William McKinney’s resignation was the dominant topic of discussion, and many senators expressed their sadness at his planned departure.

“I don’t want him to leave, because he can really have a high impact on the future of the institution,” Senator Nydrah Wright said. “I think he is a great president, and (he) needs to stay to ensure the growth of VSU.”

SGA President Barker directed inquisitive senators to Dr. McKinney’s letter that detailed his resignation, although it does not explicitly Dr. McKinney’s reason for leaving.

“Presidents’ jobs are simply to leave our institutions better than when we arrived, and I believe that I have done just that,” Dr. McKinney said in the letter. “It is time for a new leader to take Valdosta State into the future, upon the strong foundation we have built.

Dr. McKinney goes on to list VSU’s accomplishments during his three-year presidency, including the launch of a $53 million fundraising campaign, the construction of the Health Sciences and Business Administration Building, the creation of the Student Success Center, and the increase of faculty and staff salaries for two consecutive years.

Barker explained that once Dr. McKinney leaves office on July 1, the interim president, Dr. Cecil Staton, will take over while the Board of Regents searches nationally for a permanent president. Barker said interim presidents normally serve for one year.

Multiple SGA senators also asked questions regarding the sudden resignation of former Chief of Staff Kimberly Luse.

Dr. Luse resigned on March 23, just after an incident with police where Dr. Luse appeared intoxicated on the Front Lawn, according to police reports. Only a week and a half later, Dr. McKinney announced his resignation in a letter to faculty, staff and students.