Priorities
Appointing new Trustees is a 'priority' for Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
But there is no timetable. No one is sure when an appointment may come.
Granholm should work to find replacements before the Board of Trustees' meeting Feb. 19.
Obviously, Granholm has a lot on her plate. The state is plagued with economic problems.
But it's important for the university that new Trustees are found. Given the role of higher education in Michigan, Granholm should make special priority of providing for CMU, Michigan's fourth largest university, the leadership it needs.
Former Board Chairman Jeff Caponigro and Trustee John Kulhavi, whose terms expired Dec. 31, are capable leaders, but their time has passed. The term limits ensure the university receives fresh leadership.
With university's economic troubles, as well as its planned medical school, it's important that new Trustees become acquainted with the university they will help lead.
Though Granholm herself may have her hands tied, she could appoint a search committee capable of making Trustee recommendations, which she could review within the month. Granholm also should have known the Trustees' terms were going to end; if she does not have a search already going, she should have started one earlier rather than later.
Granholm's most recent appointments, Brian Fannon and Jacqueline Garrett, were named in April 2007 after two former Trustees' terms expired the prior December.
That is not a bad time frame, but Granholm should try to do better. She should try to name a Trustee in time for the first meeting - or if not before then, shortly afterward.
We hope Granholm's 'priority' shows in quick, intelligent appointments.
voices@cm-life.com
