FAQs Trustee Candidate Identification Advisory Council

Will members of the TCIAC be permanent sitting members?

No, they will not. We want to extend the opportunity to all those interested in engaging with the Board of Trustees and the processes they follow. The initial term for TCIAC members is two years from the date the Board established the Council, November 5, 2021.  The term can be extended beyond two years by approval of the Board of Trustees Governance Committee.

How many new voices will be added to the TCIAC?

  • We want the TCIAC to be comprised of important university stakeholders, including alumni.
  • The Board of Trustees selected the inaugural members of the TCIAC.  It is a Council of nine (9) members representing former Trustees, alumni from different decades and geographies, officer of the HUAA, and faculty.  The Board of Trustees Chair of the Governance Committee and the Secretary of the Board serve on the TCIAC in an ex-officio role.

How and why did the Board decide on selecting 7-9 members for the TCIAC? Will it be open to adding more members to the TCIAC in the future to ensure diverse voices are represented?

The Board of Trustees selected the inaugural members of the TCIAC.  It is a Council of 9 members representing former Trustees, alumni from different decades and geographies, officer of the HUAA and faculty.   The Chair of the Governance Committee and the Secretary of the Board serve on the TCIAC in an ex-officio role.

Will TCIAC members have an equal voice to those already on the Board? Governance committee?

We strongly value the voices and opinions of every member of our community. While the TCIAC is not a part of the board structure, their leadership as “trusted advisors” will be essential to identifying strong candidates and future members of the Board of Trustees.

Will any current students be given an opportunity to serve on the TCIAC? Since most decisions will significantly impact student life, how will you ensure students approve of the individuals chosen to represent and serve them?

There is no plan for student participation currently. We should not head down this path. The Board is not meant to represent any constituent group. Rather the Board has a fiduciary responsibility to the University as a whole and is bound to act in the best interests of Howard University.

How long is a term for TCIAC members to serve?

The initial term for TCIAC members is two years from the date the Board of Trustees established the Council (November 5, 2021).  And membership can be extended beyond two years by approval of the Board of Trustees Governance Committee.

Who is serving on the TCIAC?

The Board of Trustees selected the inaugural members of the TCIAC.  It is a Council of 9 members representing former Trustees, alumni from different decades and geographies, officer of the HUAA, and faculty.   The Chair of the Governance Committee and the Secretary of the Board serve on the TCIAC in an ex-officio role.

The inaugural members on the TCIAC are:

  • Bennie Wiley, chair
  • Minnie V. Baylor-Henry, ex officio
  • Charlie Lewis
  • Shean Atkins
  • Omar A. Karim
  • Bernard Richardson
  • Norman Jenkins
  • Kasim Reed
  • Tuedy Wilson
  • Stacey Mobley
  • Christie L. Taylor, ex officio