LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Letter to the Editor:

As the chair of the board of trustees at Rust College in Holly Springs, I am writing to publicly express my gratitude to President David Beckley, who will be retiring from his duties as president in June.

Dr. Beckley was named Rust's 11th president in 1993 and has served for 27 years. His presidency has been marked by his considerable energy and his commitment to Rust and its students. I have marveled at his knowledge of every aspect of campus operations and the skill with which he has directed the work of the college. Rust has had a balanced budget every year under his leadership. A college president's job is extraordinarily difficult, yet Dr. Beckley has led with humor, diligence, and integrity.

The campus has grown during Dr. Beckley's tenure. New facilities over the last 27 years include the plant operations building, a conference center, chapel, science center, and many other significant improvements. Rust acquired the former campus of the Mississippi Industrial College, a 60-acre industrial site, and the historic Airliewood home on Salem Avenue.

In an era when an alarming number of colleges and universities are experiencing debt crises, Rust College has expanded without incurring new long-term debt. Meanwhile, Dr. Beckley has overseen the growth of the school's endowment from $13 million to over $40 million--a tremendous accomplishment for a small college.

Rust's strong academic program has received unqualified affirmation from our accreditation association over the past two decades. While we expect to update and improve our facilities in coming years, we have no major deferred maintenance.

Dr. Beckley's careful stewardship has put Rust in an enviable situation among small private colleges. Our solid academic and financial foundation ensures that Rust College will be able to offer our fall program, even in the midst of considerable uncertainty in the economy and within higher education.

The trustees recently announced that Ivy Taylor, former mayor of San Antonio, Texas, will succeed Dr. Beckley as president. Because of President Beckley's leadership, President Taylor will have the resources and the latitude to introduce whatever changes are required or envisioned to support our educational mission in the future.

The board of trustees, alumni, and other members of Rust's campus community are planning to recognize and celebrate Dr. Beckley's remarkable tenure next fall during the week preceding Founders Day. Please watch for further information about these festivities.

On behalf of the board of trustees, I say "Thank you and God bless!" Dr. David Beckley!

Reverend Dr. David Swinton
Chair, Rust College Board of Trustees