Regent Harnice stated that he believes absolutely in the integrity of the Search Committee members.

Regent Farris asked some questions about the charge to the Presidential Search Committee. She pointed out that the charge does not require a specific number of semifinal candidates or final candidates so the Board should not be limited in the number of finalists it chooses to accept.

Action: Regent Lysonge made a motion to go into closed session to discuss the appointment of an individual employee, pursuant to KRS 61.810(1)(f). The motion was seconded by Regent McFayden. The motion passed 9-0.

The Board reconvened in Open Session at 8:01 p.m. Chairperson Bearden announced that, in closed session, the Board took no action.

Regent Lysonge asked Academic Search to outline the next steps for the final stages of the presidential search process. Dr. Bigham stated that background checks were being conducted on all three finalists, as well as other electronic searches.

Dr. Bigham explained that Academic Search will continue to check references and thoroughly review the credentials of each of final three candidates. Academic Search will assist with use of Survey Monkey to assess feedback from interviews of final candidates.

Regent Lysonge yielded the floor to Christina Leath, who explained the final stage of the search process. She stated that each candidate was scheduled to visit the campus on a different day during the week of February 27, 2017. She stated that each candidate will participate in day-long forums with different stakeholder groups.

Ms. Leath stated that all forums will be recorded and that the video will be posted on the Presidential Search website. She also stated that at the end of each day of interviews, the Board will conduct its own interviews of the final three candidates.

Chairperson Bearden thanked the members of the Presidential Search Committee for their dedicated service and sacrifice to fulfill their charge.