In terms of strengths, the Executive Committee cited the university's land grant status; its new use of etexts; its liberal arts focus; its HBCU heritage; and small class sizes. Challenges included too many interim positions; lack of institutional memory due to turnover; ambiguity about the budget; not enough spent on instruction. BASC and PCC gave Academic Search typed lists of qualities they wanted to see in a president. President Sipes suggested APC send along a list as well. Chair Moffett said he would.
Academic Search will be involved throughout the entire process and will use a variety of means to inform the larger academic community about the position.
President Sipes projected a list of members of the university's presidential search committee. Chair Rye noted that there was not enough faculty representation. She cited AAUP's position that such a committee should include more than one faculty representative. Several recent presidential searches at other public institutions across the state have had at least two, sometimes three, faculty members on the committees. Chair Rye pointed out that since faculty carry out the teaching mission of the university it makes sense for there to be more faculty committee members; this is not to mention it will help further strengthen the bonds between the faculty and administration after the recent period of much division.
A guest asked if Hettie Oldham would remain as staff representative on the search committee. Faculty Regent Elgie McFayden indicated that she would be replaced with Francene Gilmer.
A senator noted that there was no STEM representation on the committee. Regent McFayden replied that some members do indeed have STEM backgrounds. He added that KSU alums are also well represented, as are members of the community. He noted that while he would like to see more faculty added to the committee, then there would need to be more staff added. Chair Rye asked why staff would need to be added. While staff serve an indispensable role at the university, faculty are central to its teaching mission. She noted she would like to see the Faculty Regent be a strong advocate for faculty on the committee. Regent McFayden replied that he was insulted by the implication that he was not, and he asked for that sentiment to be recorded in the Minutes. Chair Rye noted that she did not intend her comment as an insult.
President Sipes announced that time was up. No motion was made to extend time.
VP Jackson noted that the search committee consisted of representatives from across the university and thus different groups are well represented. She noted we all have the option to voice concerns to the search firm itself.
She went on to say that she did not want to speak at length so that she could give time over to the upcoming discussion of centralized advising.
A senator asked if this presidential search committee will be the same committee to search for president, not just to select the search firm. Dr. Jackson responded that it is. The firm will identify presidential candidates to present to the faculty. Regent McFayden confirmed that the firm will vet candidates and select 5-8 who the committee will consider.