HB679 Summary

• Removes Athens State University from the jurisdiction, supervision, and control of the State Board of Education and Department of Postsecondary Education, making it an independent institution.

• Creates a Board of Trustees for Athens State University consisting of six regional members, two at-large members, one member from community colleges, the Chancellor of Postsecondary Education, and the Governor as ex officio president.

• Establishes the university's mission as a baccalaureate and graduate institution uniquely serving upper division transfer students with the ability to offer instruction at community college campuses.

• Authorizes the president (appointed by the board) to appoint faculty and staff, fix salaries, and employ police officers with arrest authority on university property and grounds.

• Requires future board vacancies to be filled from nominees selected by a committee comprising board members, faculty and staff senate leaders, legislative delegation representatives, alumni association president, and foundation president.