Argus reader supports decision by Reaves

 While I was reading the front page story in the current edition of The News Argus on the criticisms of Dr. Reaves by the WSSU National Alumni Association, my blood began to boil. 

While I will acknowledge that Dr. Reaves has not been perfect in his every decision or interaction with the University community, I believe that the decisions that he has made have been made in the best interests of this University.

It seems to me that much of the anger directed at the chancellor stems from the decision to return the University athletic department to Division II status; I believe that the decision was the correct decision to make. 

I well understand that being a Division I school holds a great deal of prestige, and that it could have been a great marketing point for the University; however, what good does it do for us to be Division I when we are drowning in red ink? 

Do those alumni and students involved know that we were running a nearly $2 million deficit in the athletic department? When faced with those types of numbers, and taking into account that money was being taken from other programs to help support the athletic department, the only rational decision was to make the move back to Division II. It may not have been good for the image of the University in some circles, but it was good for the health of the University. And which do you protesters prefer: a university that looks impressive to outsiders athletically, or a school that is on sound financial and academic footing?

Dr. Reaves has had to face some serious challenges here at WSSU from the moment he arrived and has done so admirably. He deserves our respect and support, not protests on the Greek plots.

Eric D. Edwards

History Major, Class of 2010