Chicago State University Board Extends President Watson’s Tenure

Deborah Bayliss | As of Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Dr. Wayne Watson, President, Chicago State University
Dr. Wayne Watson, President, Chicago State University

Following news in Feb. that Chicago State University (CSU) President Wayne Watson stepped down from his post, comes news last week that CSU Board of Trustees voted unanimously to extend Dr. Watson’s tenure through 2016.

“I am humbled and proud to serve the Chicago State University family and I look forward to continuing the work we have begun,” Watson said in a press release. “CSU has come a long way in a short amount of time in terms of enhancing a culture that values accountability, stresses academic excellence and produces the next generation of leaders in a diverse array of fields. And while our work is far from complete, I am excited to move to the next phase in affirming CSU’s role as a leader in education.”

Citing progress made under his leadership and a desire to demonstrate the stability of the institution, the CSU Board of Trustees recently announced they unanimously agreed to extend the tenure of Dr. Wayne D. Watson as President though 2016.

Watson initially took office in 2009, at a time when the institution faced significant academic and financial challenges. Watson and his leadership team reorganized departments, processes and procedures.

Under Watson’s leadership, CSU made the transition from an institution whose academic accreditation was being publicly questioned before his arrival, to receiving a full 10-year reaccreditation by the independent Higher Learning Commission recently.

In addition to the accreditation announcement, Watson has overseen a dramatic shift towards academic integrity at CSU by insisting on higher standards from students and faculty and also has strengthened compliance efforts and infrastructure improvements, according to CSU spokesperson, Thomas Wogan.

“The Board of Trustees has carefully reviewed the progress made at Chicago State University from the time Dr. Watson arrived until now and has decided unanimously that the students of CSU are best served by extending Dr. Watson’s tenure,” CSU Board Chairman Anthony Young said.

In Feb. it was announced that Dr. Watson was granted a one-year administrative sabbatical and that Dr. Sandra Westbrooks, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, would serve as interim president until a replacement for Watson was found.

Watson, 67, had more than a year left on his contract. No explanation was provided for his early retirement.

“I take pride in leading a dedicated team of professionals that are all committed to making CSU a stronger and more impactful institution, “ Watson said. “The faculty, staff, students, board members, alumni and all the members of the CSU family have come together over the past few years to help execute a course correction and put the University on a pathway to future success. It’s an honor to serve as President of Chicago State University and it is a challenge that I and my team will continue to work tirelessly to meet.”

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