A search has been going on for the past few weeks for a candidate to fill the position of Minority Affairs Director.

This Director would be a part of the Student Affairs division of the administration and would be in charge of overseeing all situations, problems, awards, etc. that involve minority students.

According to Vishenia Huery, Student Conduct Officer, “This search has been a tremendous success and the three candidates that are left are all top notch.”

As Huery states, there are three candidates left now from which to choose. Amazingly, all three of these candidates are from the West Tennessee area and Nashville. “Their resumes are impressive and all want a chance to prove that they are the best choice for this position.”

Each candidate was given a campus tour and was drilled in open forums.

Helen Owens was the first candidate to be interviewed last week. Owens holds a B.A. in Sociology and French, a Masters in Education, and has 45 hours towards her doctorate.

She has been constantly involved in schools and campuses around Tennessee, holding such positions as her current one of principal of Jackson Middle Magnet School for the Arts and Humanties.

She has also worked for many years on college campuses at Lane College and Fayetteville State University in North Carolina.

A winner of many awards and distinctions, as well as a member of a number of respected organizations, Owens represents a strong hand that is ready to assist and improve upon the minority programs already in place here at UTM.

Fred Williams is the second candidate to visit UTM. He also was given the opportunity to talk and visit with key faculty members, as well as the students.

Williams holds a B.A. in History, a Masters in Education, and has 47 hours towards his Doctorate.

Most of his work consists of working on campuses such as Dyersburg State Community College and Jackson State Community College.

He was very active in implementing many programs which were geared towards helping and assisting the minority population of the campus. He was also at one time a Probation and parole officer, overseeing many investigations and sentencings.

Williams is also a professional speaker, making many presentations at different conferences in the region concerning minority issues and how to help deal with problems involving minorities on campuses, along with development of plans that are still being used today that address the problem of minority enrollment and retention.

The last candidate is Johnetta Mooreland. Mooreland holds a B.S. in Psychology, a Masters in Guidance and Counseling, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration. Experiences dealing with the issues on campuses are not new for her. She has served on a variety of positions such as a counselor in schools, Financial Consultant for TSU and Public Relations.

Williams is also an author of works that deal with minority issues. She is also an active presenter at conferences around the region, trying to better educate the populace about minority issues and is actively looking for answers to the many questions she feels demand an answer.