Skip to main content

Board Committees

Board of Visitor Committees

Executive Committee


The Executive Committee is comprised of the Rector, the Vice Rector, the Secretary, and two additional members appointed by the Rector.  Chairs of standing committees serve as non-voting ex officio members of the Executive Committee. The Rector serves as Chair of the Committee.

The Executive Committee is authorized to convene and exercise the full power and authority of the Board between meetings of the Board whenever circumstances require immediate action to address matters of an urgent nature, or as the Board may otherwise direct.  All Board members are noticed and invited to attend all Executive Committee meetings.

(Committee on Committees – Oversight)
Joan G. Wilmer, Rector
Dr. Deborah M. DiCroce, Vice Rector
Devon M. Henry, Secretary
The Honorable Jean W. Cunningham
The Honorable James W. Dyke, Jr.

Standing Committees

The chairs and members of the five standing committees are appointed by the Rector for terms of two years and serve until their successors are appointed. All Board members serve on at least two (2) standing committees. The agenda for each regular Board meeting shall include a report by each committee to the Board. Unless otherwise specifically provided by the Board, decisions/recommendations of standing committees (except decisions by the Academic Affairs Committee on review of negative tenure decisions) are advisory and must be ratified and approved by the Board of Visitors.

  • Academic Affairs Committee

    The Academic Affairs Committee advances and protects the academic quality of the education offered by the University. The Committee makes recommendations to the Board regarding: (1) the academic mission, purpose, strategic plans, and academic programs of the University; (2) awards and honorary degrees; (3) research and technology initiatives and programs; (4) policies and procedures regarding faculty and staff appointments, including tenure appointments; and (5) student recruitment and admissions criteria and policies. Further, the Academic Affairs Committee is delegated the responsibility of making final decisions on appeals from denial of tenure. The Committee may meet, as it deems appropriate, with faculty, staff, and other members of the University community.

    Members:

    BK Fulton, Chair
    Mary L. Blunt
    The Honorable Jean W. Cunningham
    The Honorable James W. Dyke, Jr.
    Michael J. Helpinstill
    Dr. Harold "Harry" L. Watkins, II

    Staff: Dr. Leroy Hamilton, Jr., Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

  • Audit Committee

    The Audit Committee has oversight responsibility for internal audit and compliance as they relate to financial, operational, strategic, and reputational risks.  The Committee supervises and evaluates the Internal Auditor and is responsible, through the Internal Auditor, for oversight of the entire internal audit function.  The Committee shall have direct access to internal and external auditors to assess performance, the scope of audit activities, and the adequacy of internal accounting controls. The Committee is responsible for periodically reviewing the University’s risk assessment and mitigation strategies. The Committee also serves as the Board’s liaison to, and receives periodic reports on other audit, compliance, and risk matters from, among others, the State Auditor and Inspector General.

    Members:

    Mary L. Blunt, Chair
    Dwayne B. Blake
    Dr. Deborah M. DiCroce
    BK Fulton
    Michael J. Helpinstill

    Staff:  Arutyun "Harry" Aristakesian, Chief Audit Executive

  • Finance and Administration Committee

    The Finance and Administration Committee acts in areas regarding the budget, accountability, and fiscal efficiency and affordability in general. The Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board regarding: (1) the purchase, lease, sale, construction, and maintenance of University owned or controlled real estate; (2) fiscal policies; (3) financial operations of the University, including budget, audits, investments, and the impact of the foregoing on the University’s overall fiscal condition, mission, and purpose.

    Members:

    Dwayne B. Blake, Chair
    The Honorable James W. Dyke, Jr.
    BK Fulton
    Larry A. Griffith
    Michael J. Helpinstill
    Dr. Harold "Harry" L. Watkins, II

    Staff: Gerald E. Hunter, Vice President, Finance and Administration

  • Student Affairs Committee

    The Student Affairs Committee is charged with continually assessing the quality of student life and works to ensure a high quality of student life.  The Committee is responsible for making recommendations on matters and policies pertaining to students, including those relating to student rights, responsibilities, conduct, and discipline.  The Committee’s responsibility extends to matters regarding (1) student organizations and their funding, (2) extracurricular activities, (3) student government, (4) student participation in University governance by various students or groups of students, and (5) intramural and intercollegiate athletic policy and programs.

    Members:

    Devon M. Henry, Chair
    Dwayne B. Blake
    Bishop Kim W. Brown
    Dr. Deborah M. DiCroce
    Larry A. Griffith
    Dr. Tamara A. Jones

    Staff: Dr. Michael M. Shackleford, Vice President, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

  • University Advancement Committee

    The University Advancement Committee supports the Board’s relations with affiliated foundations and is responsible for making recommendations to the Board on matters and policies pertaining to university-related foundations, fundraising, community and public relations, and alumni activities.

    Members:

    Dr. Tamara A. Jones, Chair
    Bishop Kim W. Brown
    The Honorable Jean W. Cunningham
    Dr. Deborah M. DiCroce 
    Devon H. Henry
    _________________ (vacancy)

    Staff: Dr. Deborah C. Fontaine, Vice President, University Advancement

Special Committees

Special or ad hoc committees are established by the Board or the Rector for an expressed purpose and limited duration.  In making appointments, the Rector should take volunteers into account. Special committees may have no fewer than four members appointed by the Rector, who serve at the pleasure of the Rector.  The Rector designates the chair of special committees.  Special Committees may take action only by majority vote of the full committee.