Candidate • The
fourth presidential candidate, F. King
Alexander, speaks Thursday about his
plans for CSULB. “My job is to
give you an environment where you can
succeed,” he said. Tracey
Roman / Online Forty-Niner
Alexander
advocates more community fundraising
By Andy Reyes
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
F. King Alexander, the fourth finalist vying to become Cal State Long Beach
president spoke Thursday about his potential plans to keep up the momentum
on “a great university that is on the move.”
Alexander was the last finalist to speak at an open forum at CSULB. He addressed
numerous faculty, staff, students and the community about issues concerning
the university and how he plans to handle them.
“
My job is to give you an environment where you can succeed,” he said. “If
elected as president I would do things that help you free your barriers so
you can reach your goals.”
Alexander said he wants students to know he is always available for any questions
or concerns they may have.
Murray State Student Government President Scott Ellison said Alexander “lets
students have his e-mail address so that they can be in touch with him whenever
they need to ask him anything.”
Moreover, Alexander plans to help the campus by analyzing the “campus
culture” at CSULB. He said the percentage of full-time enrolled students
is relatively low and he plans to help the number increase.
He also emphasized the need to fundraise to take advantage of the “enormous
wealth in this area.” Alexander said it is important to tie the community
in with the university. Through contributions, he said, CSULB can better help
fund programs.
One such program is the President’s Scholar program, which gives scholarships
to National Merit or valedictorian high school students.
“
The President’s Scholar program is really a fantastic program that
you put together here at the university,” he said.
“The
demand is growing and there is not enough
money [for it].”
Alexander’s background experience includes being director of Annual Programs
at the University of North Carolina at
Greensboro and coordinator of the Higher Education Program at the University
of Illinois. He is currently president of Murray State University in western
Kentucky.
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