Dear Editor,
As one who has known William Swart for a number of years, I must go on the record to say that one consistent factor in all his years in higher education has been his desire as well as his actions intent on raising minority representation within higher education.
Swart made this one of his priorities at East Carolina University, and his first hire was a black female who became his administrative assistant. It was her analysis in reorganization and realignment that formed the underpinning for some of the adjustments and reassignments that the NAACP chapter is criticizing (in Jayne Beilke's Tuesday letter).
In fact, when Swart was reassigned during a time of major changes at the university - resignation of the Chancellor and a newly appointed interim who named a different provost - the new leadership did not reverse either of the decisions that are described in the letter. If Swart's decisions were so deliberately discriminatory, wouldn't one assume that the first thing the university would do would be to reverse these "injustices"?
The letter is filled with inaccuracies. For instance, I was one of those hires that Swart made, and I was erroneously linked to Old Dominion University. In fact, I was a government employee working in military training, and I applied for and was chosen to head the military programs at East Carolina. I accepted a position for several thousand dollars less than I was making because Swart offered me the opportunity to build something new and exciting.
I suggest it would benefit Ball State University to judge Swart fairly and with informed minds. Choose him or reject him based on the merits of his work, rather than a piece of "yellow journalism."
At a minimum, do what universities do best, and let the issues be aired in the light of day. To do otherwise would be totally inconsistent with the strength of American higher education, which rightfully prides itself on truth and fairness.
Steve Duncun
Director of Military Programs
East Carolina University
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