Mississippi State University President Malcolm Portera announced Tuesday that he has, indeed, been asked to consider the position of chancellor of the University of Alabama system, and he intends to listen to their offer. Rumors that Portera would be offered the position were already circulating before Tom Meredith, the current UA chancellor, had been accepted as head of the University of Georgia. Since Oct. 25, when Tom Meredith was accepted, the rumors and speculation have escalated.
Despite all the talk that Portera may leave MSU to accept the position, he’s not packing his bags just yet.
“I love Mississippi State, and my wife loves Mississippi State,” Portera said. “The UA system has asked me to go listen to them and their offer, and I will go listen to them, but that’s all I can say at this time.”
The office of the UA chancellor oversees the three UA campuses in Birmingham, Huntsville and Tuscaloosa. Combined, the three campuses have over 45,000 students. Meredith currently earns $237,000 a year, and some speculate the salary might be raised to attract Portera, who currently earns $150,000 plus a $100,000 supplement from a private group, to the position.
Portera has a long-standing connection with the state of Alabama and the University of Alabama System in particular. He received his doctorate in political science from the University of Alabama in 1971. He also spent many years in administration at the university. Furthermore, after serving the position of vice president of the university, Portera served for a time as vice chancellor of the UA system. For a more complete biography of Portera, go to www.msstate.edu/president/bio.htm.
With that much experience in UAS administration, it’s no surprise that Portera is being considered for UA chancellor. It is also thought that Portera’s ability as a businessman makes him more eligible for the position.
Portera is credited with helping to bring a Mercedes plant to Tuscaloosa during his years in Alabama and is thought of as a key figure in bringing the upcoming Nissan plant to Canton.
Both as an administrator and as an economic developer, Portera is highly respected on both sides of the state line.
It is unknown when Portera will make his decision, but both the students and faculty at MSU seem to hope Portera will stay.
Kisha Barnaby, a sophomore in political science said, “He’s brought a lot of effective changes for the university that have really made a difference on the campus.”
Trena Copeland, a junior in secondary education, said, “I think he’s a good president of our school. I think he really cares about the students, and he does a good job keeping our campus clean.”
Dr. Hank Flick, a professor in the MSU communication department, said, “I have the greatest respect for him because he is a president, I think, for the 21st century.
“He has an understanding of culture. He has an understanding of how small and how big the world is. He has an understanding of the student and the student’s opportunities within the business world.
“He has tremendous vision like no other, and we have benefited tremendously from the time he’s shared with us. We have been blessed by having him here, and we would be blessed by having him stay here.