December 2000
Board Meeting Minutes
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Monday/Tuesday, December 4-5, 2000
World Trade Center
St. Paul, Minnesota
Trustees Present: Will Antell, Andrew Boss, Nancy Brataas, Brent A.
Calhoun, Mary Choate, Dennis Dotson, Ivan Dusek, Robert Erickson, Bob Hoffman,
Jim A. Luoma, Lew Moran, Joann Splonskowski, Joseph Swanson, Michael Vekich,
Chair
Trustees Absent: Daniel G. Coborn
Day One: Monday, December 4, 2000
- Call to Order
Chair Vekich called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m. and reported that a
quorum was present. The purpose of the meeting over the next two days is to
interview the three finalists for chancellor and hopefully, make a selection.
- Report from the Chair of the Search Advisory Committee
Chair Vekich introduced Vance Opperman, chair, Search Advisory Committee for
Chancellor. Mr. Opperman thanked the Board for the opportunity and the honor
to serve as chair of the committee. The sixteen-member committee included
Trustees Choate and Luoma. Chair Vekich was invited to attend the meetings
as an ex officio member. The other committee members were two students, three
faculty representatives, two presidents, two trustees, MnSCU staff, one other
MnSCU labor representative, one person nominated by state senate majority
leader, one person nominated by speaker of the House, one person nominated
by the Governor, and one community representative. The diverse group met seven
times beginning in June and concluding in November.
In June, the committee met for the first time for orientation and the Board's
charge to the committee. Representatives from the search consulting firm,
A. T. Kearney, Inc., were in attendance. In August, the committee began screening
the resumes that were in a secure location at MnSCU. In September, the committee
met to select candidates for interviews. In October, the committee met for
two-day interviews. A.T. Kearney provided a detailed list of questions. For
the face-to-face part of the interview process, A.T. Kearney recommended that
the same person be assigned the same question for each candidate in order
to provide for continuity in each interview. The finalists were selected in
November.
The committee met for a total of 42 actual hours in meetings. This does not
include the time each committee member spent in a secure location reviewing
all of the applications.
Mr. Opperman explained that the candidate pool consisted of 38 applicants
representing people of the highest credentials. Ten candidates were selected
for interviews: two were from Minnesota, eight were from out-of-state, seven
men and three women, two were nominated from the community at large, six came
from market segmentation meaning they were recruited by the search consultant,
and two were from the nomination/market segmentation area. He commented that
the committee was very impressed with the high quality of the candidate pool,
and that any one of the following three finalist candidates would be a fine
chancellor for MnSCU: Dr. Own F. Cargol, Dr. William Sederburg, and Dr. James
H. McCormick.
In summary, Mr. Opperman explained that the committee felt it was absolutely
essential to keep the process as confidential and as closed as possible in
order to protect the identity of the applicants. Along with other members
of the Search Committee, Mr. Opperman reported that he was distressed when
the names of the three finalists were prematurely published by a Twin Cities
newspaper.
Following a question and answer period, Executive Director Reynen reviewed
the interview schedule for the day. Three groups of Trustees will interview
the candidates. Chair Vekich will facilitate one group in International Hall
that includes Trustees Antell, Brataas, Luoma, and Swanson. Vice Chair Boss
will facilitate another group in Room 502 with Trustees Choate, Dotson, Dusek,
and Calhoun. Trustee Splonskowski will facilitate a group in Conference Room
B with Trustees Erickson, Hoffman, and Moran. From noon until 2:00 p.m., Mr.
Opperman will moderate interviews with the candidates that will be broadcast
live to the campuses by MnSAT.
Mr. Opperman reviewed the interview guidelines. The interviews will be conducted
in accordance with the Open Meeting Law. Certain areas of questioning or conversation
are to be avoided (marital/family status, religion, ethnic or racial background,
age or age-related questions, disability or medical issues or other protected
class issues) because they may be perceived as discriminatory and are not
related to legitimate considerations about the candidates. Certain data on
finalists are public, including veteran status, job history, education and
training and work availability. All other data is classified as private, although
it may be discussed in the open meeting context.
Chair Vekich announced that background information on the candidates that
is covered under the data privacy act is available for review by the Trustees.
The information is located in a secure room on the fifth floor.
Chair Vekich commented that the full Board would reconvene on Tuesday, December
5 at 8:00 am to interview the candidates. Chair Vekich thanked Mr. Opperman
and the Search Advisory Committee for their fulfillment of the charge given
to them by the Board.
Trustee Robert Erickson resolved that the Board of Trustees thank Mr. Opperman
and the Search Advisory Committee for their outstanding work. The resolution
was seconded by Trustee Boss and passed without dissent.
Chair Vekich recessed the meeting at 9:15 a.m.
Day Two: Tuesday, December 5, 2000
- Call to Order
Chair Vekich reconvened the meeting at 8:10 a.m. on Tuesday, December
5, and reported that a quorum was present. He reviewed the schedule and process
for the interviews. Each candidate will be interviewed by the full Board for
one hour. The interview format will include an opening statement, question
and answer period, and conclude with a closing statement. The Board will recess
at noon and reconvene at 2:00 p.m., when the public will be invited to comment
on the candidates. Following that, the Board will enter in deliberations to
select MnSCU's new chancellor.
Chair Vekich reported that the MnSAT broadcasts were very successful and that
many viewers completed the "candidate feedback forms" which were provided
to the Trustees.
a. Owen F. Cargol Interview
Dr. Cargol has been the president of the University of Maine at Augusta since
1996. Dr. Cargol earned a B.Sc. from Louisiana State University and Oregon
State University, a M.Ed. in adult and higher education administration from
Oregon State University and a D.Ed. in higher education administration from
Pennsylvania State University.
In his opening statement, Dr. Cargol commented that he is pleased to be a
finalist. He continued that MnSCU is a great jewel in the crown of American
higher education, and that this is a wonderful opportunity to build upon the
progress to date and to bring Minnesota to the forefront of higher education
in the United States.
A question and answer period ensued. Copies of the audiotape are available
upon request.
In closing, Dr. Cargol commented that he has been pleased to be here the past
few days and appreciated the courtesies extended to him. He continued that
MnSCU is a great system of higher education that is on the verge of becoming
an even better system of higher education and he would like to be part of
the movement.
b. James H. McCormick Interview
Dr. McCormick has been the chancellor of the State System of Higher Education,
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania since 1993. He earned a B.S. from Indiana University
of Pennsylvania, a M.Ed. from the University of Pittsburgh, and a D.Ed in
educational administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
In his opening statement, Dr. McCormick commented that his experience in the
secondary schools, ranging from teaching and administration, and then as a
president, prepared him to serve for the past seventeen years as the chancellor
of the State System of Higher Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He
continued that MnSCU is a young system, and that he could bring some coaching,
vision and leadership to the whole organization. Dr. McCormick remarked that
if he were hired, he would work to create greater visibility for MnSCU by
bringing about an alignment with campus leadership, staff, and the Board of
Trustees so that there would be a commitment to go forward in an environment
of participatory involvement. He would work carefully with legislators to
develop in them a strong advocacy of MnSCU. In turn, he would lead the advocacy
for all of the campuses, and the citizens of Minnesota for high quality, accessible
and affordable education. Dr. McCormick noted that collaboration and cooperation
with the University of Minnesota and the businesses throughout Minnesota are
essential. He also commented that he would take the leadership in teacher
education and collaborate with the public schools, K-16, to better prepare
students, teachers.
A question and answer period ensued. Copies of the audiotape are available
upon request.
In conclusion, Dr. McCormick remarked that it has been a great honor and privilege
to be asked to consider this position, and for the Search Committee to recommend
him as a finalist. If he is selected, he promised to give it every bit of
energy, commitment, talent, management ability, and a seasoned maturity to
the position.
c. Dr. William Sederburg
Dr. Sederburg has been the president of Ferris State University since 1994.
Dr. Sederburg earned a B.A. from Minnesota State University, Mankato, an M.A.
in political science from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in public
administration from Michigan State University.
In his opening statement, Dr. Sederburg commented that he is delighted to
be here and that he has enjoyed the entire search process, and the past day
and a half have been interesting and very stimulating. Dr. Sederburg noted
that he has a proven record of educational leadership whether on the state
board of education, national honor society, legislature, and as a university
president. He currently chairs a statewide arts council, and a group dedicated
to the expansion of technology in Michigan. Ferris State University combines
the three elements of MnSCU - it has the sixth largest college of technology
in country, has over 2,000 students in technical programs (automotive, heating/ventilating/air
conditioning, etc.), and it is a community college, and a state university.
Dr. Sederburg remarked that he considers himself to be a visionary and an
innovator, and that he was intrigued by the MnSCU chancellor position because
of the Board's use of the word innovation, and the Board's approach to networking
the schools in Minnesota in providing a twenty-first century education system.
If he were hired as Chancellor, his agenda would include advocacy, networking
of the campuses, workforce development, information technology, education
reform to improve the quality of instruction on our campuses, and for MnSCU
to be a well-run institution with a clear vision, values and an operational
plan.
A question and answer period ensued. Copies of the audiotape are available
upon request.
In conclusion, Dr. Sederburg commented that it has been an honor to be here.
MnSCU has a wonderful opportunity to become the twenty-first century education
system. Consensus, teamwork, and good communication are essential.
- Announcements
President Horak, Normandale Community College, invited the Trustees to join
the Council of Presidents for lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Chair Vekich commented that the Search Committee has done an outstanding job,
and that the Board was very pleased with the three finalist candidates. He
referred to and read from the Chancellor Search Document that was created
by the Board and included the desired qualifications of a new chancellor:
visionary, leader, good communicator, collaborative, an advocate for the system,
and a steward.
"The Chancellor will lead the effort to strengthen statewide,
high-quality, accessible, future-oriented higher education, relevant
research, and community service initiatives for the citizens of Minnesota.
The Chancellor will articulate the core values and strengths of the
MnSCU system to the citizens of Minnesota, Governor, legislature,
business, and professional community, and media. The Chancellor will
raise awareness of the unique, and diverse MnSCU colleges and universities
and the unified system. Under the Chancellor's leadership, MnSCU will
excel as the most accessible, highest quality, innovative and transformative
higher education provider in the region."
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At 11:55 a.m., Chair Vekich recessed the meeting and asked the Trustees to
consider these words prior to deliberations, which are scheduled at 2:00 p.m.
- Reconvene and Public Testimony
Chair Vekich reconvened the meeting at 2:05 p.m., and announced that a
quorum was present. The first order of business is to hear public comments
on the chancellor candidates.
Carol Lowe, representative of Minnesota State University Association of Administrative
and Service commended the Search Committee for a fine job. She urged the Board
of Trustees to select Dr. James McCormick as the one candidate who is distinctly
qualified to be chancellor.
Frank Viggiano, executive director, Minnesota State University Student Association
read from the resolution that was passed unanimously by the MSUSA Presidential
Board of Directors. The MSUSA Presidential Board of Directors believes the
following criteria are important and should be considered by the MnSCU Board
of Trustees in choosing a chancellor:
- Strong support and commitment to public post secondary education
over a significant period of time.
- Management experience and success in public higher education including
legislative experience.
- A reputation of working in partnership with all types of constituency
groups represented within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities,
particularly students, faculty and staff associations.
- A general knowledge of financial aid programs and student-centered
policies, and an expressed commitment to access and affordable higher
education for all universities and colleges within the Minnesota
State Colleges and Universities' system.
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Mr. Viggiano commented that the students were very pleased with the use of
technology in broadcasting the candidate interviews.
Mike Redlinger, state chair, Minnesota State University Student Association,
and a member of the Search Advisory Committee commented that the Search Committee
supported all three candidates equally. MSUSA students are looking for a candidate
that is going to be proactive, creative, think outside of the box about different
ways to promote MnSCU, and that can work well with collective bargaining.
He publicly thanked Vance Opperman, chair of the Search Advisory Committee,
Mike Vekich, chair of the Board of Trustees and Penny Harris Reynen, executive
director/board secretary, and Inge Chapin, Board office staff for their hard
work.
- Deliberative Process
Before beginning deliberations, Chair Vekich repeated one of the sentences
from the chancellor search document: Under the Chancellor's leadership,
MnSCU will excel as the most accessible, highest quality, innovative and transformative
higher education provider in the region.
One by one, the Trustees commented on the candidates. Initially, all of
the Trustees, except one, supported Dr. James McCormick. During the deliberations,
it was announced that Dr. William Sederburg had respectfully withdrawn his
candidacy.
Trustee Luoma moved a unanimous ballot to offer the position to Dr. James
McCormick. Trustee Antell second, and the motion passed unanimously.
Chair Vekich called for a recess at 2:37 p.m., while Executive Director Reynen
contacted Dr. McCormick.
Chair Vekich reconvened the assembly at 3:05 p.m., and introduced Dr. McCormick.
Dr. McCormick was received with a standing ovation. Chair Vekich introduced
Dr. Maryan McCormick.
Dr. McCormick announced that he was very honored to be selected as MnSCU's
new chancellor. Dr. McCormick said that he and his wife feel very privileged
to work in the field of education and higher education in particular. The
MnSCU chancellor position offers another opportunity, and they will do their
very best to work with outstanding individuals, the board, leadership on the
campuses, and office staff to serve the people of Minnesota, the campuses,
and the 140,000 students. He will work closely with Chancellor Anderson and
Chair Vekich to make it a smooth transition. He thanked the Board for their
vote of confidence and commended them on a first class search process. He
thanked the Search Committee and expressed that it was very wise to have such
broad representation on the committee. He commended the Board on the public
process in which the interviews were conducted. He thanked the Board for their
support and said he looks forward to the privilege to serve. Dr. McCormick
accepted the Chancellor position with honor.
Chair Vekich announced that the Board was unanimous in its selection of Dr.
McCormick. Before adjourning, Chair Vekich thanked Board staff Penny Harris
Reynen and Inge Chapin for the outstanding job they did on the search process.
He also introduced and thanked Dr. Jan Greenwood, A. T. Kearney.
- Adjournment
Chair Vekich adjourned the meeting by consensus at 3:15 p.m.
Recorded by Penny Harris Reynen
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