A position on the Auburn University Board of Trustees will soon be available.
The opening is in District 6, previously held by Paul J. Spina, whose term expires in September.
District 6 includes Bibb, Chilton, Greene, Hale, Perry, Shelby, Sumter and Tuscaloosa Counties, which the applicant must be a resident of, said Nancy Fortner, president of the Auburn Alumni Association.
The individual must also be less than 70 years of age and cannot be an employee at Auburn University or a member of the Trustee Selection Committee.
"We have widely distributed the Board's vacancy information to help ensure that all interested individuals are informed about the process and have the opportunity to apply," said Brian Keeter, director of public affairs for Auburn University. "We encourage everyone who is interested and who meets the requirements to submit a letter and background information."
Nominations will be accepted until August 10, after which a five-member Trustee Selection Committee will conduct interviews with potential Board members, Fortner said.
The committee's nominee, who must also be confirmed by the Alabama Senate, will serve for a term of seven years from their confirmation date.
"We're all looking forward to seeing who puts their name into the hat," said Bobby Poundstone, a member of the Trustee Selection Committee and the Auburn Alumni Association Board of Directors.
The Trustee Selection Committee is comprised of Gov. Bob Riley or his designee, two members of the Auburn Alumni Association Board of Directors and two members from the University Board of Trustees, Fortner said.
"The goal of the Trustee Selection Committee is to select the best and most capable person for the job," Fortner said. "The process is open and inclusive involving all Auburn constituencies."
Fortner said that it is not required for the trustee to be an Auburn University graduate, but it is definitely a plus. Nominees should also reflect the racial and gender diversity of Alabama.
"I certainly don't have any preconceived notions as to who should be the nominee," Poundstone said. "I think all of us will be looking for the best person for the job and the best person for Auburn."
The Committee is looking for someone who will put plenty of time and effort into the job, Poundstone said.
According to a letter from Gov. Riley, "The Trustee Selection Committee is looking for leaders who are forward-looking, service-oriented and dedicated to furthering Auburn's instruction, research, and extension missions."
Keeter said he described the Board of Trustees as the governing body for the entire university.
"It sets the broad parameters for how the University operates," Keeter said. "Trustees also serve an important role as ambassadors for Auburn as they work to promote Auburn academics, scholarship and research."
The Trustee Selection Committee hopes to meet and make its nominee selection on August 19, Poundstone said.
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