Colleagues:

 

Dr. Richard Crofts has decided to announce his retirement as Commissioner of Higher Education for professional, family and personal reasons.

 

I wish to announce a special meeting of the Board of Regents to be held at the Montana Higher Education Complex in Helena, on Friday, December 13 at 10:00 a.m.  I ask all recipients to please provide dissemination of this message to all interested parties.  Public notice of this special meeting and a press release of Dr. Crofts' retirement will be sent from the Commissioner's office early Monday morning, December 9.

 

The agenda of this special meeting will only include the process for selection of an Interim Commissioner who will perform the role and duties of the Commissioner once Dr. Crofts terminates his responsibilities.

 

I propose the following process be considered:

 

1.               The Chair will send correspondence to principal OCHE staff and campus leaders asking for assistance in soliciting nominations or expressions of interest for the position of interim commissioner.

2.               The Chair will send a public press release soliciting nominations or expressions of interest for the position of interim commissioner.

3.               Persons who exercise their right of privacy during the selection process will have that right protected according to Montana Statute.

4.               A decision for an interim commissioner will be made after an Executive Session at the January Board of Regents' meeting.

 

I ask those regents who may not be able to personally attend the December 13 Special Meeting to please advise so a telephone conference call can be arranged.

 

 

Richard