The University of West Alabama
Board of Trustees
Special Meeting
August 18, 1998, 1:00 p.m.
Student Union Building
Approved Minutes

1. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Terry Bunn, Chairman pro tem, called the meeting to order and asked Dr. Drayton Pruitt to give the invocation.
2. ROLL CALL
Mr. T. Raiford Noland, Assistant Secretary, called the roll. Trustees present were:
Mr. Pierce Boyd, Mr. Terry Bunn, Mr. Dwight Duke, Mr. Robert Keahey, Mr. Herbie Malone, Mr. Preston Minus, Dr. Doris Oliveira, Dr. Drayton Pruitt, Mr. Thed Spree.
Absent: Mr. Frank McGough, Dr. Louise Nolen, Rev. Samuel Pettagrue, and Mr. John Smith.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Bunn asked if there were any corrections of the minutes from the last Board meeting. There were none, and Mr. Spree moved to approve the minutes as submitted, with Mr. Minus seconding the motion. Motion passed without opposition.
4. OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Bunn asked if there was any old business. Dr. Pruitt reported that the Land Use Committee had received a request from Rush Medical Group for two acres of land on University property to build a clinic for Drs. Eleanor and Jerry Eller. They need approximately two acres for the clinic area, and also want to have a feasibility study done to see if there is a need for a 24-hour emergency care center in this area. If the need exists for such a facility, Rush will also need another site, approximately two acres, to build a facility consisting of 35,000 square feet.
Dr. Pruitt stated that Rush tried to buy land in the area, but none was available. He also reported that he had polled the Land Use Committee and two sites are now being considered for the Rush facilities. One possible site is an area between Stratford Manor and Wal-Mart for the clinic, and another site is behind Stratford Manor for the emergency care center. The Land Use Committee proceeded to advertise and obtain appraisals for the land, which is now being done. This matter will be brought before the Board at the next regular meeting on September 14, 1998, and made it clear that no commitment would be made to Rush until the full Board has the opportunity to consider this request. Dr. Pruitt further stated that Rush will have to submit a proposal for the full Board to consider; however, something could possibly be worked out so that they would not be held up on this project.
Mr. Boyd indicated that he thought this would be an excellent opportunity, but the relationship and the great support that the University has received from Dr. W. R. Simpkins through the years should be kept in mind throughout this process with Rush’s. He also said that the University officials need to assure Dr. Simpkins that this will in no way affect the current relationship with him.
Dr. Ervin Wood concurred with Mr. Boyd’s remarks.
5. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Bunn announced that the next meeting of the full Board will be on September 14, 1998.
PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE’S REPORT
Mr. Bunn commended Mr. Herbie Malone for the excellent job he has done in chairing this Committee and asked him to give a report. Mr. Malone thanked Dr. Wood and his staff for all of their work during this process, Mr. Archie Hooper (SGA President) and all of the other members of the Committee for their support and timeless efforts. He stated the Search Committee has sought to find the most qualified person for the Presidency, and one who will lead the University into the next millennium. He also thanked the various people on campus who participated in this process.
Mr. Malone reported that three candidates were scheduled to come to campus for interviews; however, one withdrew late into the process. This left only two highly qualified candidates for the Board’s consideration. He stated that, in his opinion, the Board should go into an executive session to consider the two candidates. He requested that the non-Board members of the Search Committee be present for this discussion later excusing them for the final consideration by the Trustees.
At 1:15 p.m., Mr. Bunn said that the Board would go into an executive session.
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At 3:20 p.m., Mr. Bunn re-convened the Special Board Meeting. Mr. Bunn again thanked the Search Committee for their work, and stated he hopes that every individual who is affiliated with the University of West Alabama will work with the new President to advance the institution.
Dr. Drayton Pruitt made a motion to hire Dr. Ed D. Roach as the next President of the University of West Alabama; Mr. Robert Keahey seconded the motion; and the motion passed without opposition.
Mr. Minus moved to adjourn, and Dr. Pruitt seconded the motion. The motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 3:22 p.m.