General Krulak Wraps up Time at Birmingham-Southern College
When Birmingham-Southern College President General Charles Krulak announced his retirement in December, he told students, “this was a great time.” The former Marine Commandant and former member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff came to BSC four years ago when the campus was reeling from major financial turmoil. Faculty and programs were cut. Its accrediting agency issued a warning against BSC.
Krulak is recognized for a leading a turnaround at the school that gained accolades from students, faculty and the larger community. As he prepares to step down at the end of June, WBHM’s Andrew Yeager spoke with Krulak in his office.
An Extended Interview:
Interview Highlights
What stands out from the last four years:
“Even in the toughest times we were bringing in remarkable students. And equally if not more importantly we were graduating remarkable students who in my opinion are graduating as young men and women of character who are going to go and live a life of significance. And I think that’s been the real joy of the hilltop.”
Why he’s staying in Birmingham despite no previous ties to the city:
“Birmingham really is unique. The people care. They are warm. They take responsibility and accountability very seriously. They have welcomed my wife and I. We are strangers in a strange place if you think about it. And they welcomed us and showed us real love. We basically fell in love with them.”
On what he’ll do next:
“I’ve already got an office with [Former Birmingham-Southern President] Neal [Berte]. He and I are already planning our strategy for continuing to help Birmingham-Southern College but also to be prepared to do whatever the city wants us to do to help make it a better city. I am certainly not and neither is Neal, have the ego or have the belief that we can make any major difference. What we want to do is be servants to the city. And if the city has something they’d like us to do or me to do, I’m going to be prepared to do it.”
Australia accuses Iran of organizing antisemitic attacks and expels ambassador
Australian leader Anthony Albanese accused Iran of organizing two antisemitic attacks in Australia, saying the country would cut off diplomatic relations with Tehran. Iran had no immediate reaction.
Long-elusive Mexican drug lord Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada pleads guilty in U.S.
Former Mexican cartel kingpin Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada will spend the rest of his life in prison after pleading guilty Monday to U.S. drug trafficking charges.
Attendees could be in for thunderstorms, dust and hail at this year’s Burning Man
These weather patterns are typical for this time of year in Nevada's deserts. Eventgoers should keep an eye on the forecast and prepare for hazardous conditions, the National Weather Service said.
Trump again calls for FCC to revoke ABC and NBC licenses
President Trump lashed out on social media late Sunday against ABC and NBC, putting the nation's top broadcast regulator once more at the center of his culture wars.
Israeli strikes kill 22, including 5 journalists, in a Gaza hospital
Israeli forces killed 22 people, including five journalists, in two strikes on Gaza's Nasser Hospital, drawing global condemnation and prompting a rare admission of regret from the Israeli government.
Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre’s memoir will be published months after her death
Virginia Giuffre was one of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's most outspoken accusers. Six months after her death, Giuffre's book detailing her life will be published.