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Regents table tenure-policy changes amid legal uncertainty over governor's executive order
Summary
The Board discussed proposed revisions to Policy 411 (faculty tenure) that would halt new tenure-track postings and grandfather existing tenure-track faculty; Regents unanimously voted to table the proposals pending legal/regulatory clarification of a Feb. 5, 2026 executive order from Gov. Stitt.
President Jena Marr presented proposed changes to Policy 411 in response to a Feb. 5, 2026 executive order from Governor Kevin Stitt that, according to the presentation, prohibits new tenure-track positions at community colleges. The administration's draft would discontinue new tenure-track postings and allow the 15 faculty already on tenure-track to complete the process, noting one retirement and that several faculty had indicated no interest in pursuing tenure.
Regents expressed concern about legal ambiguity and potential contractual implications. Dr. David Von Tungeln moved and Dr. Rhys Cole seconded a motion to table the proposed amendments pending further legal and regulatory guidance; the motion passed unanimously. The Board recorded that interpretation of the executive order may depend on pending lawsuits or future guidance from state authorities.
