July 31, 2006

The Gallaudet University Board of Trustees met on Friday, July 28 and Saturday July 29, 2006 at which time they reaffirmed their unanimous and strong support for Dr. Jane Fernandes as the university’s 9th President. President I. King Jordan, President-designate Jane K. Fernandes and Board Liaison Patricia M. Kunkle also participated in the retreat at the Dulles Hyatt. The retreat was facilitated by the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) and led by AGB consultant E.B. Wilson, and AGB President Rick Legon.

The retreat focused on the following three topics:

• actions the Board will take to ensure a successful presidential transition for Gallaudet;
• clarifying effective University and Board governance; and,
• defining Trustee responsibilities, individually and collectively.

One of the strongest messages the Board left campus with last May is the need for more open and constructive dialogue with all campus groups. In the coming six months the Board and the administration will work towards that goal by addressing the issues raised for a shared vision of an even better Gallaudet. The Board calls upon faculty, staff, and students to work together for the future of the Gallaudet community.

In the closing session of the retreat, Dr. Fernandes shared her plans and vision for the University and for acting on the issues highlighted last spring. Dr. Fernandes will soon be summarizing for the campus community her sense of the retreat, its outcomes, and the actions she and the Board will be taking.

A team comprised of members of the Board and representatives of campus constituencies will be formed to work on the successful transition of Dr. Fernandes and to recognize the stellar legacy of Dr. Jordan’s 19 year tenure.

Sincerely,
Brenda Jo Brueggemann
Acting Chair