The Institutions of Higher Learning released a timeline of events for “accuracy and clarification” of the search process of Glenn Boyce as the university’s 18th chancellor. The release comes six days after the Faculty Senate overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling for the IHL to provide a “complete accounting and detailed timeline” of the chancellor search process.
The senate’s deadline for the IHL response was set for Tuesday at 5 p.m. The senate executive council met Tuesday night to discuss whether or not to set an extraordinary meeting this week, but did not confirm whether or not they would hold one. At the Faculty Senate meeting on Oct. 8, the senate tentatively scheduled a meeting for Thursday in the event that the IHL’s response was not sufficient and to potentially consider more severe legislation.
The release stated that Boyce served as a consultant in the search process from Jan. 18 to June 30; Boyce told reporters he was paid around $87,000 for the consulting job. The IHL Board of Trustees recommended Boyce as a consultant in the search process to the UM Foundation, according to emails obtained by Mississippi Today. On July 1, the day after he finished as a consultant, Buffkin-Baker, the outside search firm contracted to facilitate the search, asked Boyce if he would consider being a candidate. Boyce declined then and again on Aug. 8, when Buffkin-Baker approached him for a second time to gauge his interest in the position.
The release stated that Boyce received “more nominations than any other candidate for the position to date.” IHL Board of Trustees Vice President Ford Dye confirmed this to reporters in a tele-conference on Oct. 4. However, the IHL has not released the names or total number of people who nominated him.
In a sentence underneath the graphic that IHL Communications sent out, the release said that Boyce “never once” asked to be a candidate in the process and “never once” suggested that he was pursuing the position. The release concluded: “Out of concern for the University, Dr. Boyce finally agreed to meet with the Board and discuss the position.”
The Daily Mississippian has provided a transcript of the press release graphic IHL sent.
Timeline:
June 30, 2018: Glenn Boyce resigns as IHL Commissioner.
Jan. 18: The University of Mississippi Foundation contracts with Boyce to conduct a listening tour regarding the desired characteristics and credentials for the new UM Chancellor.
April 18: Boyce meets with the IHL Board to present preliminary findings from the listening tour.
June 30: Boyce completes consulting contract.
July 1: Search firm, Buffkin-Baker, begins accepting applications for UM Chancellor on behalf of IHL. Martin Baker of Buffkin-Baker contacts Boyce and asks if he would consider being a candidate. Boyce declines.
Aug. 8: Martin Baker of Buffkin-Baker contacts Boyce and asks once more if he would consider being a candidate after receiving more nominations than any other candidate for the position to date. Boyce explains to Martin Baker that he will not be a candidate in the search and would not be pursuing the position.
Oct. 3: After interviews were completed and candidates were evaluated, the IHL Board directed Buffkin-Baker to contact Boyce and asked him if he would meet with the Board. After discussing the position extensively, IHL extends an offer for the position of UM Chancellor. Boyce accepts.
