Regents active in presidential transition discussions
The University of Colorado Board of Regents this week met to continue its work on the presidential transition. Additionally, the board’s Governance Committee discussed the issue on Wednesday.
After the full board met Monday in executive session, Board Chair Glen Gallegos said the regents had a productive conversation about next steps and that the board is making progress.
“The board has a sharp focus on ensuring a smooth transition. It’s our top priority,” Gallegos said. “Selecting a president is one of the board’s most important tasks, and we are giving it the time and attention it deserves.”
The board discussed potential interim presidents from inside and outside the institution, as well as the qualities they would like to see in that person and the timeline for naming a permanent president, Gallegos said.
Last week, the board approved a transition agreement with President Mark Kennedy that set his departure date as July 1.
At Wednesday’s Governance Committee meeting, the regents also discussed the board’s current search policy and refinements it may need to make. Committee members discussed which issues related to the search they will consider at the board’s retreat in July, including examining the process of the most recent presidential search.
Additionally, a small group is examining CU policies related to searches for executive positions, including the president, said Jeremy Hueth, vice president, university counsel and secretary of the Board of Regents. The group will propose any changes after a notice of motion at the board’s June 17 meeting.
Hueth said a number of constituents in the university community will likely have opinions on search policies that will be considered. The Board of Regents will have adequate time to consider and adopt changes, he said.
“This is a slightly unusual time with a lot of uncertainty in the air, so transparency is important,” Hueth said.