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Printer-Friendly ModePresident resigns, citing internal problems
October 29, 2007 —
Program Boards president Crystal Dillard has resigned, citing a lack of internal cooperation.
Dillard will be studying abroad during the winter semester and was planning to resign at that time. However, she felt it best to leave as soon as possible and did so at last week's meeting.
"Internal conflicts are a big reason why I resigned earlier than planned," she said. "When you're not getting support with in an organization or from advisors it's hard to work alone."
Dillard says the problem with ticket sales for the Plain White T's concert did not play a factor in her decision. Instead, she was unhappy with the structure of the organization and felt others involved with Program Board weren't taking it seriously.
Vice President Shane Williamson will serve as interim president for the remainder of the semester and has high hopes for the organization.
There are a few members that are happy with her decision and are ready for a new start. Some found the news unfortunate, but are sticking with the Board, while others have followed her lead, withdrawing themselves from Program Board as well.
"I do not feel this will be difficult," Williamson said. "The members of Program Board are a little frustrated by the lack of leadership over the past few months and are excited about a new, fresh start in the organization."
Dillard has been Program Board president for over a year, and believes that changes have been made to the structure of the Board as well as the level of internal commitment to the organization since her start. After this semester, Program Board will hold an internal vote to elect a new president.
Williamson said he does not yet know if he will run for the position, but doesn't rule it out as a possibility. He has already served as president of two other organizations on campus - the University Residence Association and the fraternity Nu Lambda Nu. Because of this, he feels his experience will help ensure a smooth transition.
Regardless of who is voted in as the new president, Dillard said Program Board is looking at a small budget for the rest of the year, and because of low ticket sales for their recent concert, the organization won't be able to fund any programs for the rest of the semester.
Prior to the concert, Program Board's account had about $20,000 in it. This figure includes the $5,000 spent on events earlier in the semester. The projected loss from the Plain White T's concert is an estimated $29,000.
"So, while I guess you could call this a 'freeze' on their account, the basic premise is that there just isn't any money in the account to spend," said Janelle Hemingway, Program Board's faculty adviser.
The loss forced Program Board to cancel its Coffeehouse series, an event that's received positive student feedback.
"Next semester you will probably see the return of the coffeehouses, if that's what the Board chooses to do with the money they have," Dillard said.
Hemingway says that despite the organization's current situation, next semester should signal a return to normalcy.
"The good news is that despite the loss, Program Board will have a healthy budget for winter semester combined with a strong membership and leadership team."