Reaves: There Have Been Challenges, Surprises.

On Friday April 11, Winston-Salem State University held the formal installation ceremony of Chancellor Donald Julian Reaves. The ceremony took place at the M.C. Benton Jr. Convention Center in downtown Winston-Salem.

A well-traveled man, Dr. Reaves has spent the majority of his adult life working at colleges and universities. He brings a vast amount of experience to the job as chancellor of WSSU.

Reaves was elected chancellor at WSSU in February 2007 by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina System and started his duties as Chancellor on August 16, 2007. On Tuesday April 7, The News Argus discussed variety of topics with him. Here is a transcript of a portion of the interview:

Argus: You were elected over a year ago and assumed your duties on August 16, 2007. How has the transition progressed?

Reaves: The transition has been going pretty well so far. Things started slowly, but I've been trying to get the right people in place and filling jobs. There have been challenges just like any place.

Argus: What has impressed and/or surprised you about WSSU since you have been on the job?

Reaves: The quality of the campus facilities, especially the residence halls, really surprised me.

Argus: What are some of the aspects you've been focusing on since taking over as chancellor?

Reaves: Getting to know the students and faculty, but it's hard with the students because of the graduation turnover.

Argus: You've had careers as a C.F.O., vice president and executive vice president. How did those experiences help prepare for your current position?

Reaves: Those jobs provided me with an experience base. I like to call it "old wine in a new bottle." I tried to take something from all my past experiences even as a faculty member at Northeastern University.

Argus: How is the transition into division I progressing?

Reaves: It is a challenge, but the transition is going well. There has been more cost than we anticipated. Our goal is not to have the students paying the majority of the bill through the athletics fee. We have to focus on raising more money.

Argus: Most influential person in your career?

Reaves: A number of people have helped me along the way. I would say my wife and John Jack Jarden, professor at my graduate school in Ohio. And I would have to say Ruth J. Simmons at Brown University, the first African-American president in the Ivy League.

Argus: What is your vision for WSSU graduates?

Reaves: To prepare them to be competitive in this global economy and workplace. The most important is to make sure they are prepared to enter the workplace.

Argus: On a lighter note. Who is your favorite author?

Reaves: Walter Mosley. My favorite book by him is "Devil in a Blue Dress."

Argus: What do you miss about your hometown Cleveland, Ohio?

Reaves: Well, I don't miss Cleveland. However, I miss my family and friends that are still there.

Argus: Being from Cleveland, what is your favorite sports team?

Reaves: I'm a really big baseball fan. I pull for the New York Yankees. I've been pulling for them since I was a little kid growing up in Cleveland. I go to spring training every year, although I had to cut it short this year because of my new job as chancellor.

Argus: The thing you're most looking forward to at your installment?

Reaves: Seeing old friends. There will be friends that go back some 30 years in addition to my family. And also getting my speech over with.

A WSSU Week To Remember: Week of Chancellor Donald J. Reaves Installation.