• Dr. McCain shared that to find suitable candidates, many universities use search firms which has advantages and disadvantages. A firm would assist the Committee with reviewing nominations, applications and screening the applicants. He mentioned that the committee members would have to word harder if there is no firm; however having a firm ties the committee to a finite list of names and less control of timetables.
• Dr. McCain stated that the cost of the 2006 Search Firm was over $90M and equated that figure to the possible opportunity for 12 scholarships.
• Dr. Speight-Buford added that the cost of the 2006 search firm was closer to $195M once travel and other expenses were added to the total amount. She added that looking back to 2006, many of the nominees were suggested by Faculty, Staff, Alumni and others, and then recommended that the committee use A&T official website, mail and phone input for the search selection this time.
• Following brief discussion about the pros and cons of using a firm, Dr. McCain opened the floor for a motion regarding the hiring of a search firm. Dr. Turner made a motion that the Search Committee does not employ the services of a search firm for this 2009 search process. The motion was seconded by Dr. Callahan and received unanimous approval. Mr. Giberson requested an amendment to the motion to allow the committee to change their minds about the hiring of a search firm later in the process, if necessary. The amended motion was accepted. Dr. McCain iterated that the record will show unanimous approval that the committee will not use a search firm.

Planning for Public Forums

• Dr. McCain asked committee member’s thoughts on public forums and opened the floor for discussion.
• Dr. Speight-Buford cited some history relating to the 2006 forums. She said that the public forums were organized in five categories in correlation with the various constituents represented in the makeup of the Search Committee. There were public forums for the faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community-at-large. She added that all forums should be scheduled within a two week span.
• Dr. McCain appointed the following public forum subcommittee:
• Dr. Luster-Teasley, Subcommittee Chair
• Dr. Linda Callahan
• Dr. Velma Speight-Buford
• Marcus Bass
• Dr. McCain invited Mrs. Mable Scott, A&T University Relations, to demonstrate the Chancellor Search Website and discuss the toll free phone line. She stated that the website will highlight key ways to contact the search committee and will be available for public access on Monday, March 16, 2009. She shared the following contact information:
• Email Chancellor Search Committee at chansrch@ncat.edu
• Call toll free at1.866.518.6792
• Correspondence may be mailed to:
  
  The Chancellor Search Committee
  P. O. Box 5171
  Greensboro, NC 27435