South Carolina State University Board Chairman Maurice Washington acknowledges he's seen the letters, heard the rumors and speculation about the board attempting to oust SCSU President Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr.

Some SCSU alumni have been circulating e-mails discussing an alleged secret meeting of the board in which they voted to terminate Hugine. One e-mail suggested the leader of the SCSU National Alumni Association held a conference call with national officers and committee chairs, as well as chapter presidents from around the country, to discuss the issue.

But during a break from board committee meetings on the SCSU campus Thursday, Washington said there has been no secret vote of the board to oust Hugine.

"We've heard the rumors circulating around the president. As a governing body, we are not commenting about the rumors publicly or privately," Washington said.

Washington also praised Hugine as a fine member of the university.

While declining to speak at length about the subject of board satisfaction with the president, Washington did say the president would be evaluated in June when his contract expires.

He also said it is part of the SCSU board's job to develop a succession plan in the event Hugine leaves the university. Washington believes that plan may have been why the rumors developed.

"We are looking to the future. Part of looking at the future is that you make an assessment at the depth of leadership on the campus," he said.

Later, Hugine would not address the issue, saying he does not speak to rumors.

"I have not, will not ever respond to rumors. That's the first issue," Hugine said.

At this juncture, Hugine said whatever decision is made in terms of his future, his family would discuss the matter.

Contacted by phone, SCSU Alumni Summerville Chapter President Bill Goodwin Jr. said he was told that all questions regarding Hugine's future were to be referred to National Alumni Association President Patricia Lott of Orangeburg.

Also reached by phone, Lott said she really does not know any hard facts about the situation and declined to comment further.

An e-mail circulating from SCSU Alumni Atlanta Chapter President Teddy Carter obtained by The Times and Democrat said the SCSU board voted to oust Hugine. Carter's letter also mentioned a conference call by Lott with other alumni leaders to discuss the issue.

"Unfortunately, this is not a rumor, and the board voted against President Andrew Hugine," the letter stated.

According to the letter, a majority of those who participated in the conference call felt the ousting was inappropriate, citing the success the university has seen under Hugine's leadership.

Stating support for Hugine and against any change at this time, Carter's letter urged alumni to make contact with him about any questions for the board ahead of the trustee meeting on Dec. 6.

Contacted by phone on Thursday, Carter would offer no further comment on the matter.

Letters circulating among alumni reference a letter from SCSU 1989 alumnus Alexander "Herc" Conyers, who is stationed in Afghanistan. Addressed to the board, alumni and S.C. newspaper outlets, the Conyers' letter details the writer's disapproval of treatment of Hugine.

"Mr. Washington, as I sit here in Afghanistan, I am in total disbelief about the most recent rumors that involve my beloved Alma Mater, South Carolina State University. Under normal circumstances, I don't deal with rumors, but the alleged pending forced resignation/retirement of Dr. Andrew Hugine has compelled me to respond now rather than later.

"I find it reprehensive that during this period of unprecedented growth and accomplishments for the University, the Board of Trustees, under your leadership, will seek to dismiss the president of the South Carolina State University."

He ultimately calls for Washington to exit also if Hugine is to be ousted.

T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by e-mail at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060.

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