University of Montevallo; board of trustees terms of office revised; quorum for meetings of board of trustees revised; and office of president qualifications revised

New leadership rules for University of Montevallo

The law takes effect immediately and changes University of Montevallo leadership rules. Six board members are needed to conduct business. Beginning January 1, 2027, appointed trustees serve eight-year terms, with a limit of two eight-year terms. The term limit does not apply to trustees appointed and confirmed on or before January 1, 2027. The board includes the Governor as board president, the State Superintendent of Education, and 11 other trustees. Those 11 seats include one per congressional district, up to one nonresident, and enough statewide trustees to reach 11. District trustees must live in their districts. If a congressional district is added, the most recently appointed statewide trustee becomes that district's trustee. The Governor appoints trustees with Senate approval. For vacancies, the Governor names a temporary replacement until the Legislature next meets. The Governor then appoints a trustee, with Senate approval, to finish the unexpired term. Trustees receive reimbursement for actual expenses from their duties. The university president no longer has to be an educator by profession, though trustees are encouraged to choose one. Other qualifications remain: graduation from a well-regarded college or university, good moral character, and good business and management skills. Trustees choose the president and set the president's term. Removal during that term requires just cause, written in the meeting minutes, and approval by a majority of all trustees.