Gov. Robert Bentley met with the other four members of the Board of Trustee selection committee in an open meeting yesterday to discuss the selection process for the Auburn University Board of Trustees.
The committee was able to come to an agreement and pass the new process recommended by Bentley.
During the meeting, Bentley addressed the current position of the committee, including the mistakes that have previously been made, where he believes it should go from here and concluded the meeting with a vote on the new and perfected selection process.
“We all make mistakes, and we should all learn from them,” Bentley said. “I personally do.”
He also admitted that the process was rushed and not handled in the proper way.
John Blackwell, president pro tem of the Board of Trustees, agreed the process was rush, but wanted to reassure the public that the committee worked hard to review each individual nominee the first time around.
Blackwell emphasized that the committee members have always had the University’s best interest in mind, and they will continue have that role as they begin the new process.
“The process isn’t perfect,” Bentley said. “It is made up of human beings.”
The governor said he has received much criticism from the public in regards to the process, but he only has one vote.
He emphasized that his vote has the same value as the other members of the committee during selection.
Bentley got down to business by making numerous suggestions to the committee members on how to make the process more transparent.
As outlined by the governor, in the new process each applicant will be treated the same, whether they are presently serving on the Board or not. Bentley recommended that all nominees be interviewed.
“I would like to slow down the process and get things right,” Bentley said. “If we do this, it will be the most transparent selection process of all schools in Alabama."
The suggestions made by Bentley were supported by the committee and the process will begin shortly.
The new selection process will allow nominations to be reopened. The Board of Trustees office will accept nominations until 4:45 p.m. June 24.
During the second step of the new process, the committee will request letters of recommendation, résumés, references and a statement of the nominee’s involvement, support and interest in the University.
After receiving the supporting materials from the nominees, the committee will begin to review the materials from each applicant. The committee will then select no more than three nominees for each available position for interviews.
This decision will be made by July 29, and the committee will reconvene within the first two weeks of August to begin the interview process. The process will be concluded by September 30.
Following the interview process, the committee will meet and make its final decision about the selection.
The committee has already taken steps to make the selection process more open and transparent to the public.
“Let’s get everyone back on the same team and move forward to do what is best for this great University,” Bentley said.
What does the Board do?
The Board of Trustees consists of 14 members as follows: one member from each congressional district, one member from Lee County, three at-large members and the Governor.
This year the Auburn Board will have nine vacancies. Positions in districts 1,2,3, 4, 6, 7, 9, a Lee County position and one at-large position are to be selected during the process.
The requirements to serve on the Board are specified by the Constitution of Alabama and are as follows: must be a resident of the district applying for, must be less than 70 years of age, cannot be an employee of Auburn University and cannot be a member of the selection committee.
New members of the Board are appointed by the selection committee and are approved by the State Senate. Members hold office for a term of seven years.
The selection committee is made up of the President Pro Tempore or another trustee designated, one trustee elected by the Board of Trustees, the governor and two members of the Auburn Alumni Association Board of Directors.
According to Bentley, the committee is looking for leaders who are forward-looking, service-oriented and dedicated to furthering Auburn’s instruction, research and extension missions.
These skills are necessary, as the Board is responsible for managing and controlling activities, affairs, operations, business and property of the University.
The Board determines policies, periodically evaluates the president, approves the missions and performs many other roles.
These topics are discussed in Board meetings held once each quarter of the calendar year.
Other meetings may be called as provided by law. Public notice of scheduled meetings will be given as required by law.
The selection process has rebegun for Auburn Univeristy.
A bit of controversy
The governor reelected 28-year member of Board of Trustees, Bobby Lowder.
What should have been a 30-day process to select the Board was rushed into a 10-day process.
After being reappointed, Lowder withdrew his name from the list of nominees.
Lowder will finsih out his term in the Spring. The selection committee has now begun the improved selection process.
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