The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) trustees have taken action to prevent the automatic promotion of their vice chair to the board's leader position if the current chair were to leave or be removed.
This decision comes amidst controversy surrounding the search for a new FAU president. The move aims to prevent Vice Chair Barbara Feingold from assuming the position and potentially influencing the selection process.
Trustees Vote to Prevent Vice Chair's Instant Elevation:
The FAU trustees have voted in favor of a policy change that would require the board to elect a new chair within seven days if the current chair's position becomes vacant.
This change prevents Vice Chair Barbara Feingold from automatically assuming the role if Board Chair Brad Levine were to leave or be removed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The decision was made with 10 trustees in favor, two opposed, and one absent.
Controversy Surrounding the Presidential Search:
The decision to prevent Feingold's automatic elevation is seen as a response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the search for a new FAU president.
Levine, who is also the chair of the Presidential Search Committee, has faced criticism for the selection process and the final three candidates chosen.
Feingold, a political supporter of state Rep. Randy Fine, has been vocal about her concerns regarding the search process and has withheld a $30 million pledge for a new FAU dental school until the issues are resolved.
Faculty Senate's Proposal for Interim President:
In addition to the policy change, the Faculty Senate has proposed making the current interim president, Stacy Volnick, the permanent leader of FAU. The Faculty Senate believes that this would resolve the stalled presidential search process and provide stability to the university. Volnick, who has been with FAU for over 20 years, was not allowed to apply for the permanent position as a condition of accepting the interim role.
Conclusion:
The FAU trustees have taken action to prevent the automatic elevation of the vice chair to the board's leader position, aiming to address the controversy surrounding the search for a new FAU president.
In addition, the Faculty Senate has proposed making the current interim president the permanent leader of the university. These decisions reflect the ongoing challenges and tensions within FAU's leadership and the desire for stability and transparency in the selection process.
What Are Your Thoughts?
- How do you perceive the trustees' move to prevent automatic promotion in light of the presidential search controversy?
- Do you think this policy change will help resolve the issues surrounding the selection of a new FAU president?
- What are your thoughts on the Faculty Senate's proposal to make the current interim president the permanent leader of FAU?
- How important is transparency and impartiality in the selection process for university leadership positions?
Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
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