Oakwood University’s New President Ready to Meet the Press

A special press conference has been scheduled for Monday, January 10, at 11:00 a.m., on the southern periphery of the Oakwood University campus. The exact venue will be the Oakwood University Industries Auditorium, located at 4920 University Square, in Huntsville. The conference is an opportunity for Dr. Leslie Pollard to meet the local press as he begins his tenure as Oakwood’s 11th president.

Dr. Pollard arrived bright and early Monday morning to start his first day on the job with Institutional Worship, a weekly tradition for the faculty and staff of Oakwood University. He was accompanied by his wife of 32 years, Dr. Prudence Pollard. After listening to an empowering message on leadership from a biblical perspective that began promptly at 8:05 a.m. at the Carter Hall Chapel, administration, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to come together in prayer for their new CEO. Staff member Fred Pullins delivered the special institutional worship thought.

The Pollards received two gift baskets filled with special treats and Oakwood memorabilia, which were presented to them by the administrative team. Attendees had a chance to express their personal welcomes to the Pollards at a continental breakfast reception that took place in the Carter Hall lobby following the worship session. Interim president Dr. Mervyn Warren, who has served as Oakwood’s leader since August 1, 2010, made a humorous presentation of “The Key to Oakwood University” on behalf of administration.

Dr. Pollard will spend much of his first couple of weeks in meetings with his administrative staff and visiting the various departments on campus to get better acquainted with faculty and staff members. In consideration of an extremely packed academic calendar, official inauguration events have been temporarily postponed and will be announced at a later date.