Should States Elect Board of Regents?

Article, The Chronicle for Higher Education, October 15, 2004
http://chronicle.com/free/v51/i08/08a00101.htm

Most public universities in the country are overseen by their state's board of regents. A board of regents generally determines tuition rates, university appointments, and other more long-term educational issues.

In a majority of states, the Governor appoints representatives to their state's board of regents, drawing on educational policy staff to help guide their selections. In some states, however, the board of regents is an elected body.

The controversy that surrounds those states that elect these important board members involves the fact that most state residents have no idea what a regent board member is or does. Those against the election of regent board members argue that such a low-profile but important position such not be left in the hands of an ignorant voting population, and that the governor is better equipped to make a more informed appointment.

Proponents of regent elections claim that there are just as many flaws in an appointment system, in which governors can base their appointment decisions more on political favors than the best interests of state universities and state residents. They also claim that a public election helps create trust between state residents and university administration, because residents know that their vote contributes to university policy.