The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees will convene in Louisville this week for a summit that will feature remarks from Mayor Craig Greenberg and coal billionaire Joe Craft.
The two-day meeting will be held Thursday and Friday at the University of Louisville Student Activities Center. Along with Greenberg and Craft, One Louisville Chief Executive Trevor Pawl, U of L President Gerry Bradley and UK President Eli Capilouto will participate in a Friday panel discussion on economic development.
Trustees will also review a number of policies, including a first reading of a revision to the procedures on dean appointments and a new policy on academic and financial management that could lead to the dismissal of faculty.
The newly amended policy gives the board the power to approve dean appointments. Previously, a trustee vote was not required.
The revision follows the controversial March appointment of Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove as the dean of the Rosenberg College of Law. While the appointment was discussed at a meeting in April, Van Tatenhove was ultimately appointed by Capiluto and the provost.
The move drew strong public criticism, including from Gov. Andy Beshear, who accused the university of letting politics override other, more qualified candidates for the role.
During this week’s meeting, trustees will also review an internal audit and get a preliminary look at this year’s enrollment figures.
In addition, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee will present a policy “on academic and financial sustainability" that offers a means for university officials to eliminate or reduce positions and programs due to low enrollment or financial need.
A spokesperson said the policy is being presented to comply with state law and the board must codify it by October.
