7/21/1971, Burlington Free Press

WITHERSPOON NOT QUITTING, GODDARD OFFICIAL ASSERTS

Free Press Capitol Bureau

PLAINFIELD - Reports that Goddard College President Gerald S. Witherspoon is resiging were denied by one college official who said Monday the former state tax commissioner plans to seek a renewal of his contract this weekend before the board of trustees.

The spokesman, Public Relations Director Benjamin Collins, said Witherspoon's contract doesn't expire until next June and a committee will be appointed soon to evaluate the job he has done.

Witherspoon couldn't be reached at his office for comment.

Collins conceded a segment of students and faculty members oppose Witherspoon and would like to see him quit his post, but he added, " No responsible college official could have made that false statement."

He was referring to unnamed officials reported in the Rutland Daily Herald Monday to have stated Witherspoon decided to lead the school for a California job.

The report added that academic dean Mrs. Ruth Lovald of Cabot has been mentioned as his successor.

"The board of trustees will meet on campus this weekend... and when it does he (Witherspoon) will request that his contract be renewed."

"When Gerry does this the trustees will name a subcommittee to evaluate his presidency." said Collins. He added the group will consist of four trustees, three teachers elected by the faculty, three students elected by students, and a college staffer named by other staff members.

There have been numerous reports, mainly from faculty dissidents at the small progressive school, that Witherspoon has been on his way out for months. The first such rumor was denied shortly after students rallied to defeat his efforts to increase tuition at the school.

Goddard's financial condition has been at the root of the controversy, Collins indicated, because to keep the school solvent Witherspoon instituted a trimester system to enlarge the enrollment capacity.

Collins said the new setup also "created some insecurity" for the "older faculty members."

Other reforms, including putting the faculty on an equal business [sic] with students in policy making questions have cast teachers in an unconventional role at the college, said Collins.

He attributed much of the dissatisfaction to the fact the college is in a "transitional stage" - a condition which have been prevalent, according to some, ever since Witherspoon was elected to the post by students and teachers more than two years ago.

"He has not resigned and he is not looking for any other job in California. He wants his contract renewed." said Collins.