Lemons Announces Plans to Leave UVa-Wise; Culbertson Named Interim Chancellor

Oct. 3, 2000

Chancellor L. Jay Lemons formally announced today that he will leave The University of Virginia's College at Wise to accept the presidency of Susquehanna University. 

"I hope you understand how very difficult this decision has been for us," Lemons told a group of more than 150 faculty, staff and students gathered in the Chapel of All Faiths Tuesday afternoon. "We truly love The University of Virginiaís College at Wise. We will always cherish having been a part of this great institution."

The Susquehanna University board of trustees voted unanimously on Sunday to appoint Lemons as the 14th president of the Selinsgrove, Pa.  College. Lemons expects to take his new post in January 2001. 

 "The future holds much promise for UVa-Wise," Lemons said. "I am confident given the strength of our faculty, staff and students that within the decade the College will be recognized as one of the very top public, liberal arts colleges in the nation, and as a result, the College will become an even more important part of the transformation of far Southwest Virginia."

U.Va. President John T. Casteen, who met with the UVa-Wise Board Tuesday morning, named Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor George E. Culbertson to serve as interim chancellor. 

"George will sustain the momentum that the College has developed under Jay Lemons' leadership," Casteen said. "He is respected as a senior leader not only at the University, but throughout Virginia.  Legislators know him.  The stateís officials know him. And the Board of Visitors knows him and values his advice. We are fortunate that one who knows the College as well as George does his here at this particular juncture in its history."

An undergraduate of UVa-Wise with a doctorate in mathematics from Virginia Tech, Culbertson returned to the College in 1970 after six years as a math professor at the United States Naval Academy.  During his 30 years at the College, Culbertson has served in a variety of administrative roles including registrar, associate dean of the college, acting vice chancellor and dean, chief financial officer, and dean of the college. 

"I look forward to the coming challenges," Culbertson told the group.  "Thank you for your support.  I look forward to working with you."

Casteen said a search firm will be hired to help find the next chancellor of UVa-Wise. The firm will work in consultation with the UVa-Wise Board and a search committee. Casteen expects the new chancellor will be in place by the fall of 2001, with Culbertson serving as a special advisor until his planned retirement at the end of next year.

A student reacts to Lemons' announcement.

U.Va. Presdent John T. Casteen, III, and Marsha Lemons applaud Chancellor Lemons' closing remarks to a standing-room-only gathering of faculty, staff and students.