Regents to hold executive session to discuss 4 finalists, vote on president
The Arizona Board of Regents could select the next UA president today when it meets on campus, officials said.
The regents will meet in executive session today at 10 a.m. in the "Swede" Johnson building to discuss which candidate should be the next UA president.
Although a decision today is unlikely, it is not completely out of the question, said Regent Fred Boice, chair of the Presidential Search Committee. He added that the regents cannot reach a decision in private because the vote must be made publicly.
"Who knows? Maybe there will be a consensus reached, but it would be kind of surprising," Boice said.
Student Regent Ben Graff said last night that the decision will be made "relatively quickly" so the unchosen candidates can resume their jobs.
Boice praised the efforts of the search committee, even if it makes the decision more difficult.
"If the search committee does a good job, it makes the regent's job that much harder," Boice said about choosing out of the four highly qualified candidates.
The regents said they will consider student input that the Associated Students of the University of Arizona gathered in a recommendation letter Wednesday night.
The letter, which narrows the students' choice of candidates to Tom Campbell and Robert Shelton, was based on written feedback from students during the forums, as well as extensive background checks done by ASUA officials, said Erin Hertzog, who is acting as student body president while Cade Bernsen is on leave.
Shelton's innovations and experiences in research and academic administration as well as his proven commitment to cultural diversity were some of the examples ASUA used in its recommendation to the board of regents.
"His research experience and academic leadership can aid in enhancing not only the prestige of our university, but also the undergraduate and graduate experiences of the students," the letter read.
Out of all the candidates, Shelton was most highly regarded by students at their current institutions based on communication ASUA had with student leaders at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Hertzog said.
UA students were also impressed with Shelton's open door policy.
"Students were talking about his connectivity and openness," Hertzog said.
Based on feedback forms, students seemed impressed with Campbell's ability to inspire others and advocate for students of the university, but also with Campbell's experience in Congress.
"It's something impressive because it's something we could use in Arizona," Hertzog said.
Fernando Ascencio, an Arizona Students' Association director who compiled the student forms for the letter, said it was drafted with students in mind.
"We were looking at what direction the students wanted the university to go," Ascencio said.
Ascencio said all four of the candidates were extremely qualified, and the students were not particularly in favor of one candidate over the other.
"It's hard to say that there are negatives and positives," Ascencio said. "What we have are characteristics that may help or hinder the university system."
Janeen Scalia, a political science sophomore, said although she didn't attend any of the meetings or forums, she agreed with ASUA's letter.
"When it came down to it, I think the students picked who they thought would do a good job," Scalia said.