Wynn a perfect fit for Duke post

Editorial

A week ago Phail Wynn, president of Durham Technical Community College, announced that he is retiring after an impressive career that spanned more than three decades. But if you thought that was the last Durham would hear of Wynn, then think again.

Duke University announced Tuesday that Wynn is taking a job at Duke where he will serve in the newly created position of vice president for Durham and regional affairs. We can think of no better choice for the position because few people know the Durham community or the Research Triangle better than Wynn.

In his new job, which he starts in January, Duke officials said Wynn will work closely with the community, city officials, local businesses and the school system to create new partnerships and strengthen old ones. That sounds a lot like what Wynn has been busy doing for the better part of his career at Durham Tech. So indeed, the learning curve for Wynn will be short and we know he will do well in his second career.

The announcement Tuesday was heralded by community leaders, who agree that Wynn is the perfect fit for the new position. Over the course of his illustrious career at Duke, Wynn has earned the respect of leaders from all segments of the Durham community, and beyond.

"This is fabulous news," said John Schelp, a Durham activist and president of the Old West Durham Neighborhood Association. "He's a great guy -- a lot of respect in the community."

The high regard in which community leaders hold Wynn should serve him well as he seeks to forge new relationships and build on old ones. It will be especially useful as he seeks to secure permanent funding for the highly touted Duke-Durham Neighborhood Partnership, a collaboration involving the university, 12 surrounding neighborhoods and eight schools.

Wynn is well-versed in the economic and social challenges of Durham and the region, and he has demonstrated an unmatched commitment to improving the lives of all who live here. Duke University is to be applauded for creating the perfect job to take advantage of Phail Wynn's special skills. Duke will be the better for it, and so will Durham.

© Copyright 2007 by The Durham Herald Company. All rights reserved. All material on heraldsun.com is protected by U.S. and international copyright laws and may not be reproduced or redistributed in any medium except as provided in the site's Terms of Use.