President Quits at Nation’s Oldest Black University

C. T. Enus Wright has resigned as president of Cheyney University a month after the school’s accreditation was revoked and the future of the nation’s oldest predominantly black college was placed in jeopardy.

Wright’s resignation, which he announced last week, will become effective April 20, state education officials said.

In its decision to revoke the university’s accreditation, the Middle States Assn. of Colleges and Schools cited poor administration and financial management.

The school and the State System of Higher Education plan to ask the association to reconsider its move. The appeal will automatically stay the decertification.

If the accreditation is revoked, students would be ineligible for federal and state grants and loans.

In his letter of resignation, Wright said he was quitting because of an “overwhelming concern” for Cheyney.

“At this critical juncture in Cheyney University’s history, my presence may be a perceived source of harm,” Wright’s letter said. “Right or wrong, that perception must not hinder the continuing advancement of Cheyney.”

Wright has been president of the school near Philadelphia since September, 1982. After stepping down, he will serve as a consultant in the state chancellor’s office and later return to the classroom as a history professor.