University of Mississippi’s Faculty Senate voted no confidence in the state’s College Board and its process for hiring the new chancellor. As MPB’s Desare Frazier reports, the board president wouldn’t discuss the controversial appointment at their first meeting since the announcement.
University of Mississippi's newly appointed chancellor attended his first College Board meeting yesterday since his appointment this month. Some faculty and students are protesting the selection of Chancellor Glenn Boyce because he was a paid consultant during the candidate search. He talked about being met by protestors Monday--his first day on te job.
"We're a campus of free expression O.K. and I understand some of the concerns that they may have. Obviously this isn't the way I would've wanted to start either O.K. However, I think the message will travel and the message will get out there that I'm looking forward. I excited about the university. I'm excited about its future," said Boyce.
There was no discussion of Boyce's appointment during the College Board meeting. They did meet behind closed doors in executive session for more than two hours.
"I have no comment," said Parker. "No comment," said Parker. No on camera interviews today. He's go to go," said Board spokesperson
Board president Hal Parker refused to answers questions from MPB News and other media. Ole Miss' Faculty Senate Secretary Professor Brice Noonan says some members are concerned about the lack of transparency in Boyce's appointment. After the board interviewed candidates, they had a private meeting with Boyce and offered him the position. Professor Noonan.
"It's not viewed as an ideal way to lead or conclude a search for a chancellor for a research one institution like the University of Mississippi," said Noonan.
Chancellor Boyce wouldn't comment on how he was selected, but says he's committed to meeting with students and faculty to work through this challenge. No word on when his salary will be approved, which could be $800,000 per year according a board spokesperson.
Yesterday evening the College Board released a statement saying it will review its hiring policies.
