College Hall official named Cheyney pres.

Longtime minority affairs administrator Valerie Swain-Cade was named interim president of Cheyney University Friday by the board of governors of the state's higher education system. Cade, who is currently assistant provost and assistant to the president, will begin as president of Cheyney on October 1. She will remain a candidate for the permanent position at the Chester County school, which will be filled in the next 10 to 14 months. Provost Michael Aiken said Friday, before the board of governors had announced their decision, that his office had not made arrangements for someone to take over for Cade. Aiken said Cade was responsible for issues including minority affairs, capital planning and allocation of space. "She did those things exceedingly well," Aiken said. Cade has been at the University since 1978 in various administrative positions ranging from faculty master at DuBois College House, Executive Assistant to the Provost and Director for Commonwealth Programs. Cheyney, which is the oldest historically black college in the country, faces several major problems, including a $7 million deficit, which in part prompted the resignation of former president LaVerne McCummings on August 1. Three months ago Cade was an unsuccessful candidate for the presidency of the University of the District of Columbia. She was one of five finalists for that position. Tilden LeMelle, who was acting Vice Chancellor at the City University of New York, was chosen for that position in July. At that time, administrators said her departure would be a loss to the University because she had made strides in many areas, most notably in minority affairs. Joann Mitchell, director of the office of affirmative action, called Cade a "catalyst" for change at the University. "She has been able to impact the quality of life for students, faculty and staff who are people of color," she said. Cade also made an unsuccessful bid for of Philadelphia public school superintendent in 1982. Cade could not be reached for comment last night. Staff Writer Drew Zoller and The Philadelphia Inquirer contributed to this story.

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