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[Herbert R. Brown]

I have been faithfully applying for positions as vice president of administration at several colleges and universities. The advertisements for the positions state that candidates should have experience that can be used in the higher-education setting.

As a senior foreign-service officer in the administrative field, I have relevant experience. I also have a doctorate in public administration, an M.P.A., a master's
in general administration, a master's in management, and a master's in counseling. I have also served in 10 countries under circumstances making it difficult but
possible to accomplish required tasks.

In spite of my experience and my education, I
consistently get polite letters from colleges and universities saying that, though I had excellent qualifications, I was not referred for further consideration.

My experience in applying for jobs has caused me to become disillusioned with the higher-education job-selection process. If colleges and universities are not interested in outside candidates, they should not say that they are in their announcements. It moves me to ask how many candidates for vice president for administration and finance have relevant doctoral degrees, four relevant master's degrees and relevant experience? In addition, as one who has served in several countries, I know how to combine efforts from diverse groups to make an organization better. Despite all this, I never get offered even an interview.

As an African American, I also feel disillusioned about the affirmative-action cards that I have received from several universities asking for my ethnic background and age. They say that this information will not be presented to the selection committee. So, what is the point of asking for this information? Is it only to satisfy statutory requirements to report that so many women, minorities, and older people apply for jobs? This does not show how committed a university or college is to hiring people from these groups.

If there are not many African Americans in the system, how in the world can a college or university enhance its diversity in this area? If colleges and universities were serious about diversity, they would consider hiring outside candidates who have the requisite qualifications. I would venture to say that my qualifications are as good as those of any vice president for administration and finance. However, as an outsider, I don't stand a chance of serving in a career that I always wanted to be in.

As an African American, I feel disappointed that the old selection system means that diversity through outside hiring is seldom a selected option.