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Newly Appointed University of Toledo President Speaks at St
Paul’s
By Tricia Hall
Sojourner’s Truth reporter
Historic St Paul Missionary Baptist Church, under the
leadership of Rev. James H. Willis, pastor, welcomed
newly-appointed University of Toledo president Sharon Gaber,
Ph.D, on Sunday, October 2, 2016 during the morning service. |
UT's Willie McKether, Ph.D and Kaye Patten Wallace, Rev.
James Willis, Sharon Graber,Ph.D,
St. Paul's Ian Scotland and John Covington |
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Willis and congregation member Ian Scotland serve on a
university committee and Gaber decided to speak at St.
Paul’s as a result of a meeting. “We actually had a meeting
over the summer, and Pastor Willis offered me the
opportunity to speak to his congregation. I really want the
City of Toledo to know, that the University of Toledo is
Toledo’s university. Also that we value every student, our
retention rates have increased, we value diversity, and even
hired a vice president of diversity. We want students to
know that their concerns and interests are listened to and
included within the university policies,” said Gaber.
The University of Toledo President’s Committee for African
American Recruitment, Retention, and Scholarship Support,
also known as PCARS, first launched a fundraiser in February
2016 at St. Paul MBC.
“The university is an important part of this community, it’s
important to have a more active relationship between the
university and community. This type of outreach will benefit
both the university and community,” explained Scotland,
fellow PCARS member.
In addition to Rev. Willis, several religious local leaders
have joined forces on this cause including, Rev. Cedric
Brock of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Rev. Waverly Earley of
Wesley United Methodist Church, Rev. K. David Johnson of
Third Baptist Church, Rev. John Walthall III of Mount Ararat
Missionary Baptist Church and Sister Virginia Welch of St.
Martin de Porres Catholic Church.
“I wanted the president to share her diversity and
improvement plan with the members today, including the
university’s qualify of life plan,” explained Willis.
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