ACU’s Board of Trustees welcomed four new members this fall, including a Midland businessman, a travel industry player, the former dean of the College of Business Administration and a returning trustee.
These new members will help the board establish university policy, said Slade Sullivan, general counsel and secretary to the board. Among the special topics currently being discussed by the board is ACU’s connection to its Church of Christ heritage as well as its possible move to a NCAA Division I in athletics.
The 29-member board that governs the university inducted Tod Brown, Belinda Harmon, Dr. Jack Griggs and Ralph Draper.
Sullivan said each of the new members brings a strong passion for the university.
“They love students and have strong connections – as alumni, parents and grandparents of students,” Sullivan said. “They represent the stake-holders of the university, meaning the students, employees and alumni.”
The four members joining the board come from diverse backgrounds.
Tod Brown, from Midland, has experience in the real estate business and is the son of former trustee Dale Brown.
Belinda Harmon, from Aledo, works for Emerald Travel and Cruises and is the granddaughter of ACU legacy, Dean Walling.
Dr. Jack Griggs, from Abilene, has experience in corporate governance and has served a term ACU trustee.
Ralph Draper, from Houston, is the superintendent of the Spring Independent School District and an involved member of the ACU community.
The board will hire, evaluate and delegate university operations to the president. Members serve three-year terms and can be re-elected up to for four times, potentially serving up to 15 years.
“It’s a constant cycle,” Sullivan said. “Most years there are some members leaving the board and some members joining.”
Dr. Barry Packer, chairman of the Board of Trustees, said his service on the board has been rewarded by the ACU graduates he has seen go on to make a difference in the world.
“Most of the trustees are former students who were deeply impacted by their years on the campus,” Packer said. “Their service on the board is one way of giving back to the university that changed their lives in significant ways.”
Kelly Brown, executive assistant to the general counsel, said the Board of Trustees regularly shows students special attention and respect. As a part of the orientation process, new board members personally engage students and faculty members to hear their experiences and concerns.
Brown said she encourages students to welcome any visiting board members, some of whom plan to sit in on classes in November.
“The board sincerely cares about what happens for the university,” Brown said. “Students should know that they have some great men and women in their corner.”
