On Tuesday, the state Senate voted to confirm 5 nominees to Auburn University’s Board of Trustees, one of which is Bob Dumas, Auburn Bank President and CEO. About 170 candidates applied for the positions, and approximately 35 were interviewed before 9 final candidates were chosen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn noted that Bob Dumas being on the board was the first time in 100 years that the city of Auburn has had a trustee nominated.
The other 4 candidates who were approved are Mobile businessman B. T. Roberts, Montgomery businessman Clark Sahlie, Clanton attorney Liz Huntley, and Birmingham attorney Jim Pratt.
Tom Whatley, R-Auburn has sponsored a bill that would stagger trustee terms to create continuity among the board. Also part of the bill, the immediate past president of the Auburn Alumni Association would be added as a 15th member of the board. District lines for trustees would be redrawn. The bill has passed through the Senate and is waiting on action from the House Ways and Means Education Committee.