The Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Board of Trustees convened a special called meeting on Monday, June 30, 2014, at 4:00 p.m. in the Magnolia Building. Joe Brumit, Chair, presided.
The following members of the Board were present: Wayne Brigman, Chair Joe Brumit, Mike Fryar, Bill Hart, Richard Hurley, Don Locke, Kaye Myers, John Parham, Frances Ramsey, Ray Spells, David Wyatt, and Jayne English, President SGA.
Others present for the meeting included: Dennis King, Interim President; Shelley White, Senior Executive Director for Economic and Workforce Development/Continuing Education; Terry Brasier, Vice President for Student Services; Kerri Glover, Director, Communications Relations and Marketing; David White, Director of Research & Planning; Lisa Evans, Interim Vice President Business and Finance; Marlene Roden, President Faculty Association; Chad Donnahoo, College attorney; Paula Lovitt, Paralegal Campbell Shatley; and Carolyn Rice, Secretary to the Board.
Reconvene Recessed Meeting And Call To Order
Ms. Rice called roll. A quorum was present.
Closed Session
Mr. Hart moved to enter into a closed session at 4:02 p.m. pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a) (1) and (3) in order to discuss confidential personnel matters pursuant to G.S. 115D-27-29 and to discuss matters protected by the attorney-client privilege. Dr. Locke seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.
On a motion properly made, the Board returned to open session at 4:35 p.m.
Trustee Business
Dr. Locke made a motion to elect Dr. Dennis King as the next President of A-B Tech Community College effective August 1, 2014. The Board then voted on the motion to appoint Dr. King.
In favor of the motion: Chair Brumit, Mr. Brigman, Mr. Fryar, Mr. Hart, Dr. Locke, Mrs. Myers, Dr. Parham, and Mr. Spells.
Opposed to the motion: Mr. Hurley, Ms. Ramsey, and Mr. Wyatt.
The motion carried eight to three.
Mr. Hurley read the following statement to the Board:
“Before making my decision on whom I would support for the next A-B Tech President, I reviewed my notes from the interviews, the community forums, the faculty and staff forums, and the consolidated input from the faculty and staff forums.
Regarding my top two choices from other colleges, I had summarized comments such as visionary, global thinker, cutting edge, seeks out best practices and new ideas, promotes diversity, strategic thinker, welcomes fresh approaches, and embraces community involvement.
Dr. King and I have been friends since he joined A-B Tech and he has been a great supporter of the school and is well-respected by many people. However, when I reflect on his January 8, 2014, address to the faculty outlining why he wanted to be the next President, I was uncomfortable with his comment that "there will be no new initiatives unless they are required of us by the state." I do not feel this leadership philosophy is in the best interest of A.B. Tech.
Therefore, I cannot vote in favor of his election to the presidency, but given the majority of the Board of Trustees have voted in his favor; as long as I am a Trustee, I will support A-B Tech and its mission.”
Mr. Wyatt stated that he had concerns but will support the President of A-B Tech.
Mr. Fryar is receiving positive feedback from the community regarding Dr. King and is looking forward to getting A-B Tech back on track to where the College should be.
Mr. Hart stated it was “a good day for A-B Tech.”
Adjourn
On a motion by Mr. Spells, seconded by Dr. Parham, the meeting was adjourned at 4:42 p.m. by unanimous consent.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn H. Rice
Board Secretary