PRESS RELEASE

October 12, 2023

HUNTSVILLE – Concerned Oakwoodites is hosting a press conference on Monday, Oct.

16th at 11 a.m. It will be in the gymnasium of St. Luke Christian Church, 1800 Sparkman
Dr. NW, in Huntsville.

We are a group of 1,046 people who share a connection with Oakwood University as
alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students. Oakwood connected many of us with life-long
friends, spouses, careers, and business partners.

Some of us grew up on that campus. Many certainly became adults there. And so many of
us either became Christians there – or got to know God better there.

Recent concerns shared with us by faculty, staff, students, parents, and even board
members have compelled us to come together. A lack of transparency, accountability and
corrective action is what compelled us to make our concerns public.

We are committed to supporting Oakwood and all its stakeholders. We want Oakwood to
survive its current challenges, and to thrive. For that to happen, we believe it is imperative
that the Oakwood University Board of Trustees and Administration must intensify their
focus on the following:
 1. Faculty and Staff Retention: Oakwood reportedly has more than 60 job openings
while also being under a hiring freeze. Current and former employees have
complained about workplace conditions: no air conditioning in some buildings,
ceiling tiles that need to be replaced, etc. Several high-ranking employees have
resigned recently, at least one without having an employment option in place.

2. Ethical Practices and Procedures: Some former employees have expressed

concerns regarding expectations or orders that may not be in keeping with
government policies and federal policies. We believe the integrity of our institution
should never be compromised, for the sake of its students – past, present, and
future.

3. Student Enrollment and Retention: All the concerns we’ve presented jeopardize
Oakwood’s ability to recruit and retain students. Students are the lifeblood of any
educational institution. Their care and well-being should be paramount.

We, Concerned Oakwoodites, remain committed to pursuing transparency, accountability,

and corrective action, while promoting views and solutions that reflect our love for
Oakwood and a commitment to our faith.

For more information about Concerned Oakwoodites, contact David Person at

256.701.2594 or persondt63@gmail.com.