The University's Board of Visitors will bid goodbye to four of its 16 voting members this spring when their terms officially end March 1.
Elizabeth A. Twohy, T. Keister Greer, Elsie Goodwyn Holland and Rector John P. Ackerly all will step down after eight years of service to University policy and planning as members of the Board. None of the outgoing members are eligible for reappointment.
Gov. Mark R. Warner will appoint new Board members before the April meeting. His appointments will be made based on recommendations from the University Alumni Association and the governor's own advisory commission on higher education board appointments. All appointees need to be confirmed by the General Assembly.
According to Alumni Association Executive Director John B. Syer, the association issued a list of 12 recommended candidates to the governor Dec. 1.
"They were the result of our understanding of what the governor and his commission think is important," Syer said.
Although Syer was unable to provide information about individual candidates, he said both race and gender were factors considered by the association.
Twohy and Holland are the only female members of the Board, and when their terms expire they will leave behind an all-male membership.
"We feel it's important that the BOV reflect diversity and that the constituencies that [Board members] lead are confident with the diverse representation of the Board," Syer said.
The commission consists of seven individuals who will filter through applications of potential appointees and issue recommendations to the governor.
Although the commission and the association make their recommendations to the governor independently, the two groups have worked together to determine ideal criteria.
"All parties are aware that collective support will enhance the credibility of individuals," Syer said.
Outgoing Board members will serve in their current positions until they are replaced, said Board Secretary Alexander "Sandy" Gilliam Jr.
Technically, the terms of Twohy, Greer, Holland and Ackerly will expire on March 1.
New members will take their official positions at the Board's April meeting.
During that meeting, Board members will elect a colleague to the position of Rector. The Rector acts as the Board's official spokesperson, presides over meetings and sets the agenda.
The Board recently approved changes to its manual, shortening the Rector's term from four to two years and creating a Vice Rector position. The Vice Rector will automatically succeed the Rector when his or her two year term expires.
After this year, elections for both Rector and Vice Rector will be held in July, giving newly-appointed members the opportunity to interact with their peers before electing a Rector.
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