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Christopher and Emma Frawley enjoy a reception yesterday welcoming their family to Mary Washington University. Their father, George Washington University dean William Frawley, was selected last week to succeed William Anderson Jr. as president of UMW.
Incoming University of Mary Washington President William Frawley speaks to Cathy Derecki, UMW's director of Web communications, at a welcoming reception on campus yesterday. Frawley will take over as president July 1. |
By MELISSA NIX
THE University of Mary Washington formally welcomed its next president yesterday, with one official hailing William Frawley as a leader who will take the school to "new heights."
At a reception for Frawley and his family at the Woodard Campus Center, waiters whirled through the crowded Great Hall with trays of dainty petit fours, tea cakes and cups of punch. Two students played a flute duet, and the school's choir sang the alma mater a cappella.
Mona Albertine, rector of UMW's board of visitors, introduced Frawley from a lectern in the center of the cathedral-ceilinged hall.
"This is an important day for the university. This is a historic day for the university," said Albertine, who chaired the Presidential Search Advisory Committee.
She described Frawley as "an accomplished academic, an exceptional fund-raiser and a truly outstanding leader who will lead the University of Mary Washington to new heights."
Frawley, 52, then presented his wife, Mariah, 14-year-old son, Christopher Barton, and 11-year-old daughter, Emma Sanford to the more than 200 university and community leaders gathered.
Frawley, dean of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences at George Washington University, said he was happy to be given such an exciting job. He said he was drawn to UMW by its terrific students, faculty and staff.
"It's time to do new things, but we can't do so without standing on the past," he said.
Frawley then asked the crowd to join him in acknowledging President William Anderson Jr.'s service to the school.
"We owe him a great deal of gratitude for all he has accomplished," Frawley said, drawing applause from the crowd.
Once the formal remarks had ended, he walked directly across the room to shake Anderson's hand.
"It's a great day in the life of the university," Anderson said. "I am absolutely confident Dr. Frawley will do a wonderful job."
After 23 years of presiding over UMW, Anderson will retire June 30. Frawley takes over July 1.
Staff, students, faculty members and community residents stood in line to personally welcome Frawley and his family.
Mariah Frawley is an associate professor of English at GWU and said she expects to continue on the faculty there. Her husband plans to move into Brompton, the president's official residence.
"We'll have to figure out the commuting until I have a better sense of what my responsibilities will be here," she said.
At a short news conference after the festivities, Frawley reiterated many of the views he had shared during recent on-campus visits.
Asked about his plans to increase the number of minorities on campus, he said it is important for the university to respond to the "new America."
"Diversity itself is a diverse idea," he added. He then listed a variety of partnerships that could increase diversity while adding other valuable dimensions to the UMW experience.
Frawley also stressed his interest in involving the community in problem-solving. "A vision of one is not a vision," he said.
He responded to questions about growing the university: Does he feel that 4,000 students at the College of Liberal Arts is a comfortable size? Thoughts on growth on the Stafford side?
"You need smart growth," he said. "You have to plan where you are going and have the resources to do so. Growth for growth's sake is not needed."
When asked if he will model his presidency after anyone, Frawley said he has taken leadership notes from David Roselle, president of the University of Delaware, and from his GWU President Stephen Trachtenberg. But he said he would be his own man.
"Not being overconfident and knowing your limits is important," Frawley said. "You don't go out onto the stage without a little bit of stage fright, which helps you to perform well."
To reach MELISSA NIX:
Email: mnix@freelancestar.com
