Hugine Failed to Meet Expectations, School Says

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP/WLTX) - The saga continues in the search for a new president at SC State, as the performance review that led to Dr. Hugine's dismissal from SC State was released last week.

After serving as president of the historically African American college for four years, Hugine was fired last month for what the board of trustees publicly called a poor performance.

The review, itself, however, is more detailed. In it, the board claims Hugine failed to improve the university's infrastructure and allowed several academic programs, including teaching and nursing, to come close to being eliminated. Overall, the board gave him a score of 2.84 out of a possible 5.0.

Hugine did not comment on the evaluation, but released his official response to the review after the board released his evaluation. In his response, Hugine said several criticisms were wrong.

Backlash has grown since the board dismissed Hugine in December. Most recently, Democratic Representative Jerry Govan proposed a bill last week that essentially would dissolve the board amid allegations its current membership is too involved in the day-to-day business of the school.

Govan, an Orangeburg lawmaker, is one of many dissatisfied and powerful alumni of the school. His plan entails a twelve-member board evenly chosen by legislators and the school's alumni association, with six picks apiece.

Currently, twelve of the thirteen trustees are chosen by lawmakers. The last member (the board president) is selected by the governor.

Board president Maurice Washington said though the trustees have not done anything outside the scope of their duties, the board will abide by the bill if it passes.