Taylor prepared Rust College for 21st century students

Rust College president Dr. Ivy Taylor is leaving the college after three years with her last day set for May 6 after graduation.

The South Reporter asked Taylor for an interview recapping some of her accomplishments and the pride she feels on leaving Rust for her next adventure. A Q. and A. format was used for ease in handling the interview.

You arrived during the COVID-19 pandemic amidst controversy over the college housing conditions and infrastructure neglect over the years and with some of the board of trustees, faculty and staff concerned with leadership.

Q. How did you find the campus relative to infrastructure and spirit of decorum? Did you feel generally supported by faculty and staff and what was the enrollment when you arrived? Was it your perception that the pandemic had suppressed enrollment. What is the enrollment as you leave?

A. Rust College has survived over 150 years and has created opportunities for thousands of young people and will continue to do so. Adapting to the modern context and expectations for students is necessary for the college to not just survive, but, instead, to thrive. We are in an incredibly competitive higher education market and also a time where many people question the value of higher education.

Enrollment had been declining at Rust

College for several years when I arrived and the pandemic exacerbated the scenario.

My administration focused on modernizing areas that had not received attention in recent years, but that made a huge difference for 21^st century students.

Many stakeholders embraced change, while others were uncomfortable with it. It is not out of the ordinary for an institution to struggle with change during its life cycle. My administration’s investments in facilities, technology, curriculum and the new focus on students and community partnerships will facilitate the next administration in marketing and articulating the Rust College value to prospective students.

Q. You ushered in a new spirit of modernization on campus including the renaissance you popularized.

A. Students were excited to see changes on campus that made their living environment more comfortable and that emphasized technology. Faculty and staff appreciated access to software and hardware that facilitated their work.

Q. Some of your initiatives included renovating dorms, creating new suites on the MI property, and also providing new technology to prepare for advancement of students in the modern world. Did those efforts show results and promise as you reflect back now?

A. I think these things can be summarized by saying, that during my time of leadership, the college refocused on the needs of 21^st century students and also embraced a variety of partnerships to build on historic successes. Beyond the lasting effects of these investments in the college, I believe that I made a difference in the lives of individual students through sharing my story with them, being open to their needs and guiding them to resources to help them achieve their dreams.

Two of this year’s seniors will be enrolling in master’s degree programs in higher education administration with the goal of working in higher education. Additionally, we also should not ignore the fact that it took over 150 years for a woman to lead Rust College. I hope the example that I set as a woman leader inspires others to know that they can and should lead in their communities.

Q. Your administration ushered in new energy and younger leadership on the team you assembled, such as Dr. Rice.

Do you feel these new players on your team will remain at Rust to continue the quest? A. Turnover is high in higher education administration right now for a variety of reasons and reflects the overall “Great Resignation” trend occurring in other sectors. The average tenure of a college president is currently about six years and at HBCUs, the average tenure is about three years. Some of the executives I hired left for other opportunities. Sometimes they were not able to find the support for their family’s aspirations in a small rural town. I believe that strengthening the K-12 landscape in the Holly Springs area could have a huge impact on the area’s ability to retain talented individuals.

Q. When you arrived, your husband said he felt at home and wanted to retire in Mississippi. How is the ending of your work at the college likely to affect his dream, your daughter’s dream, your dream?

A. Our plans are unaffected. We were blessed to have the opportunity to purchase a 100-acre farm here in Mississippi and we plan to spend time there, as our activities allow, in the future. My daughter enjoyed her high school experience at Briarcrest Christian School and is now ending her freshman year at Florida A&M University.

Q. Do you have a new job as yet, or will you rest and reflect for a while before moving on? A. I plan to take some time to rest. The last five years were hectic and included starting and finishing a doctoral program, writing a dissertation, and leading a college through a pandemic. I look forward to some down time. My immediate goals include: finishing writing the book I started when I left San Antonio’s city hall, binge watching some television, and enjoying the beautiful Mississippi landscape with my husband.

EDITORS NOTE: Rust College Graduation Ceremony is set for Saturday, May 6, at 11 a.m. On the lawn of the McCoy Administration building in Holly Springs. Stevie “Shakespeare” Baggs Jr. will deliver Rust College’s 157^th Commencement address.