The Tennessean February 2, 2014 Fisk University has made great strides in past year By H. James Williams Friday marked one year since I arrived in Nashville to assume my role as the 15th president of historic Fisk University. Person after person, across the community, greeted my wife, Carole, and me with a wide smile and a hearty "Welcome to Nashville!" What a ride the first year has been! Last year at this time, the university faced an existential challenge of addressing its accrediting agency's concerns with Fisk's finances. When I assumed the presidency on Feb. 1, the university had 238 business days to convince the accrediting agency of its financial stability. Thanks, in large measure, to immediate and substantial adjustments in the way we conduct fiscal affairs, and immediate and significant financial sacrifices by faculty and staff, the university earned removal from probation and reaffirmation of its accreditation. The university received the unwavering support of the students, who trusted that we could accomplish the task. The Board of Trustees, alumni and friends throughout Nashville and across the country were extraordinary in their financial and moral support. Finally, the support from the greater Nashville community, including the "Religious Leaders for Fisk" group, was almost palpable; so many people shared their time, talents and treasure to ensure that Fisk is, indeed, forever. Throughout the year, the university enjoyed tremendous successes: earning a Forbes ranking of fourth in Tennessee and first among HBCUs in the nation; earning its fourth R&D 100 research award; increasing enrollments for the second consecutive year; and improving its athletics programs, including the women's volleyball team's winning the GCAC's Eastern Division Championship. I am quickly coming to understand and embrace the "Fisk Magic" that seems to pervade this venerable institution. The first year of Fisk moments, including the legendary Reunion Weekend, which includes commencement exercises, and historic Jubilee Day, continue to resonate with Carole and me. Last Nov. 7-9, the university celebrated our new partnership with Crystal Bridges Museum when the Stieglitz Art Collection went on exhibition at the museum in northwest Arkansas, including a wonderful private showing before more than 400 alumni, friends of Fisk and art lovers. That partnership allows Fisk to display more of its other 4,000 pieces of art in the Van Vechten Gallery, including the Jubilee exhibition, which runs through June 30. During this first, important year at Fisk, we worked diligently to mend and renew relationships, as well as build new relationships throughout this wonderful Nashville community. I met, listened to and shared with many of Nashville's most significant business, government and community leaders, including those with whom I have connected through my current engagement in the Leadership Nashville program. I accepted invitations to serve on a number of boards, committees and service organizations. Through these relationships, I am coming to understand why Nashville is considered the "it" city. The Fisk-Nashville connection is a great base - one on which we intend to build the Fisk Renaissance. With continued diligence, commitment, hard work and the support of this great city, Fisk's future is promising. With today's nationwide second annual Fisk Sunday celebration, Carole and I could not be more pleased with our first year here. We look forward to contributing to the community and making Nashville our home for many years to come! "Welcome to Nashville," indeed! SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.