Oversight at NCCU was not an effort to circumvent approval process

Regarding recent stories about an N.C. Central University satellite campus operating at an Atlanta-area church despite lack of proper approval by the University of North Carolina system:

The programs offered at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church presented an opportunity for the university to expand its partnership with a distinguished graduate of the university, Bishop Eddie Long, who serves as a member of the NCCU Board of Trustees. It was customary that the dean and the provost would ensure that the program was vetted through the proper channels.

My understanding is that the program was approved by the NCCU Faculty Senate. Whatever the circumstances, it was a grave oversight, and I accept full responsibility for this mishap. It was ultimately my responsibility to ensure that procedures were followed.

I want to make it clear that there was no effort under way at the time to circumvent the approval process. In keeping with best practices in academia, I hope that the campus will find a way to help the students earn their degrees.

These students and potential students at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church provided NCCU with an opportunity to expand its reach by offering degrees in disciplines where jobs were available in the area. We saw a need in the community and tried to fill it by offering the program.

Bishop Long is a very supportive member of the NCCU Board of Trustees and had a history of supporting higher education for members of his church and for members of the larger community. His son, Edward, is a graduate of Florida A&M University. He has been so proud of the education his son received at FAMU that he has agreed to serve on the FAMU Foundation Board. This is his way of giving back.

What happened regarding this program is unfortunate because I have always tried to operate with integrity. I believe that through the strong leadership of NCCU Chancellor Charlie Nelms and UNC System President Erskine Bowles, they will do the right thing and find a way to ensure that these students are able to earn their degrees while protecting the integrity of the University of North Carolina.

James H. Ammons

President, Florida A&M University

Tallahassee

(The length limit was waived to permit a fuller response. The writer formerly served as chancellor at NCCU.)