Greetings to the President From the Students

Tanisha Layne '03

Kent, it is my privilege and honor to welcome you to our Guilford community on behalf of the entire student body.

A student's vision of a good educator: is one who can transform the classroom into a dynamic environment that creates a space where the student is challenged and inspired. One in which they can easy grasp what is being taught. After consulting with some of Kent's prior students on his interaction with students they mentioned, "He is, of course, the most dynamic, engaging, fun and interesting professor. Anyone here who has had Kent in class will tell you this. What many people do not know is all that Kent does for his students beyond the traditional faculty role. He inspires and gives them direction. In addition, he still finds the time to be mentor. He calls and emails them to see how they are doing. Come to think of it, it is no wonder he wanted to get out of teaching and move into the comparatively relaxed life of a college president."

If you may allow me the opportunity to inform you of my first impression of Kent: While being on the presidential search committee the one thing that impressed me the most about him was his genuine interest in the dynamics of our student body. Here at Guilford we have a very complex student body. As you may know, it is comprised of adults and traditional students. Kent's vision for the future is to have one solid student body. During his interview he addressed the two student representatives with firm eye contact and asked, "Now, how do the students feel?" He was the only candidate that was interested in us; at no point in time did he make a distinction between the two student bodies. Steve Harrison and I were immediately overtaken by his charisma. He looked at everyone directly … every time he answered a question he looked at you intently, he listened, and I know that a certain look may not mean a thing to you, but it was the non-verbal communication that said, "I am listening."

An amazing event took place the day Kent decided to join the Guilford community. The Kent John Chabotar Scholarship Fund at Bowdoin College was established. One of his students quoted T.S. Elliot, saying they "would not let him go gently into that good night," they have raised approximately $88,000 and are working on an additional $12,000. Kent has had a tremendous impact on prior students and on behalf of the Guilford student body I am here to say how thankful and grateful we are you decided to join our community. On a personal note: as I talked to Kent about my personal fears of speaking on behalf of the student body Kent said clearly, "Be yourself and speak from your heart." As I left his office my spirit lighted up with a sense of comfort knowing that all his prior student feedback was coming alive within our Guilford community.

Many have gathered here to celebrate this new chapter in your life. It is a privilege and honor for the Guilford community to be part of it. Education is very important for the betterment of everyone's life. Having someone like you, who is passionate, to influence the present and future students of our great Guilford College community will be cherished for generations to come under your leadership.

We are excited to have you has our eighth president. Thank you, and have a blessed night.