Regents presidential search committee approves closed session to evaluate finalists

The State Board of Regents' Presidential Search Committee voted to enter a closed session to evaluate candidates as it advances finalists to the next stage of the search process. The motion to move into closed session referenced "Iobcoseection 22.5.1.i" in the meeting transcript; the transcript does not record a named mover or a complete roll-call tally.

The committee discussed stepping finalists through campus visits that will include meetings with community members and a public forum for each finalist, which the committee said will be open to the public and available live to members of the search committee. The transcript states each finalist's name will be publicly released in advance of those campus visits. The committee also discussed a public feedback form to allow members of the community to provide comments after the public forum for each finalist.

According to the meeting record, the closed session was for the purpose of evaluating professional competency when appointments or hirings are being considered. The transcript language indicates the committee approved entering the closed session; a formal vote outcome is recorded in the transcript as "approved," but the transcript does not provide a numerical vote tally or identify who moved and seconded the motion.

The committee outlined procedural next steps in the search process: public release of finalist names, campus visits with community meetings and public forums, an opportunity for members of the public to provide feedback through a form developed by staff, and closed-session interviews with the committee. No final appointment or hire was reported in the transcript provided.

The meeting record shows the committee intended to continue interviews and deliberations in closed session as part of the formal search timeline; the transcript does not specify dates for public release of names, dates of campus visits or forums, or the deadline for final selection.