The Members of the Board of Trustees

Publication: Board of Trustees Handbook

Policy Statement

The number of Trustees of the Corporation is fixed at not less than fifteen and not more than thirty-six. The Trustees shall be elected by a two-thirds majority of Trustees present, eligible, and voting upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board in the fall of each year.

This number shall include the Alumni Association President, who is to be an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees with voting privilege. In addition, the Board of Trustees may select Emeritus Trustees who may serve an unlimited term without voting privilege. (By-Laws of Carolina University, Article III, Section 2. A.)

Members of the Board of Trustees shall be elected to serve for a term of three years. Following a three-year term of service, a Trustee may be re-elected for a second three-year term with a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms. After a one-year absence from the Board, a Trustee may be re-elected. Vacancies may be filled at the fall meeting for a regular term of service. (By-Laws of Carolina University, Article III, Section 2.D)

Vacancies may also occur as a result of resignation or discipline in accordance with the By-Laws, Article III, Section 2.F. Unless needed to fulfill the requirement of the minimum number of trustees, these vacancies may be filled in the regular manner specified in the preceding paragraph. Should the vacancy need to be filled prior to the year’s end, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, with the approval of the Executive Committee, may appoint a Trustee to fill the remaining term. If possible, this Trustee should have a previous experience as a Trustee or any new Trustee be given proper orientation.

Policy Procedures

Their terms of office shall begin the following January. Orientation shall be arranged by the Chairman of the Board. (By-Laws of Carolina University Article III, section 2. C.) This Orientation shall be conducted for new Trustees by the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees during the month of January in which they assume office. Prior to this meeting, all new Trustees shall receive and indicate by signature that they have read the Board of Trustee’s Manual and the Constitution and by-Laws of Carolina University. These signed statements are to be kept on file in the Administrative office.

The Qualification of Board Members

The By-Laws of Carolina University Article III, Section 2. B. addresses this topic as follows:

• A Trustee shall evidence a strong personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. He shall demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in his church and community life. His leadership ability shall be expressed in his church or business relationship. His affiliations and conduct should be in harmony with Carolina University standards on separation.
• All members of the Board of Trustees shall be members of a church, Baptist in polity and consistent with the doctrinal statement of the University.
• Either his church shall financially support Carolina University, or he personally shall support the University.
• Inasmuch as members of the Board of Trustees are to show an active interest in Carolina University through their presence at Board meetings, if a Board member does not attend for three consecutive sessions, unless providentially hindered, the Board shall have the right to declare the office vacant and to have the power to fill the vacancy.
• Each Trustee member shall sign without change the Statement of Faith of Carolina University in January of each year. A refusal to sign such would mean a removal from the Board of Trustees.
• No full-time employee of the University shall be eligible to be a member of the Board of Trustees.