After hearing mixed public testimony, the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees have voted 9 to 3 to make Dick McGinity the full time President of the University until June 30th of 2016.
Trustee President Dave Bostrom says McGinity “has demonstrated his ability to lead the institution.” During the meeting Faculty and Staff representatives urged trustees to wait before removing McGinity’s interim tag. But many, like Dean of Libraries Maggie Farrell said it was time for U-W to move forward.
“While the title, I know, is an important decision for the trustees, we feel that there are critical priorities. We are behind our president in focusing on staff and faculty salaries as that is just a pressing and critical priority.”
U-W Staff Senate President Jim Logue urged the board to conduct a formal search for a new president.
“We are happy to have this accidental president. I have not heard any concerns about McGinity’s abilities. I’ve heard concerns that we may be missing opportunities by not going through a formal search.”
Several faculty members said they were worried that McGinity’s academic experience was too thin and that he needed more time to prove himself.
But Bostrom says the vote allows U-W to move forward with planning and decision making. McGinity becomes U-W’s 25th President and will be paid 375-thousand dollars a year. He says he is excited about the opportunity to help U-W “reach its incredible potential.”