In an effort to end what he considers partisan politics in selecting members for governing boards of Virginia's public colleges and universities, Gov. Mark R. Warner will consult an advisory commission before making upcoming appointments to the University's Board of Visitors.
The Board has 16 members eligible for two four-year terms that expire annually March 1. Other Virginia colleges and universities set their expiration date at June 30.
Among a university governing board's responsibilities include the power to approve university policies and budgets as well as electing the university's president.
This year, the terms of Charles M. Caravati, Timothy B. Robertson, Benjamin P. Warthen and Joseph E. Wolfe will expire. Caravati is the only member not eligible for reappointment because he has served two full terms.
They all will continue to serve until Warner makes his appointments, which he will disclose to the public within the next few weeks, University Rector John P. Ackerly III said.
Warner's Advisory Commission on Higher Education Board Appointments consists of seven members. The members, who include Joshua P. Darden, former University rector and son of former University President Colgate Darden, and former Virginia Tech President Paul Torgersen, will review candidates on the basis of merit, experience and leadership skills.
"Partisan politics played a very large role in the appointment process under the previous administration," Darden said. "Under Warner, Democrats will be appointed, but Republicans will as well."
In addition, the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of the Commonwealth will serve on the commission as non-voting members.
Although the commission aims to distance political ideology from the appointment process, Warthen conceded that it probably was unlikely to discount party politics altogether.
"I have to be realistic about my odds," said Warthen, who was appointed by former Gov. James S. Gilmore III in 1998. "There are thousands of qualified Democrats out there. I face pretty stiff competition."
Warner intends to use the commission to review qualified candidates, but he reserves judgment for final appointments, Warner spokeswoman Ellen Qualls said. "He is not accepting mandates," Qualls said.
Warner has not revealed whether he is considering reappointing Robertson, Wolfe or Warthen, she added.
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