Larry Thornton Named Chair, Locey Baker Named Vice-Chair Of Alabama State University Trustee Board

by WAKA Action 8 News

Alabama State University’s board of trustees selects its chairman and vice chairman. Larry Thornton has been elected as Board Chairman. Locey Baker has been elected as Vice-Chairman.

Both Thornton and Baker say they’re excited to help lead the university, but they say it’s not going to be easy and there’s a bumpy road ahead.

Thornton replaces former Chairman, Elton Dean, after he was asked by Gov. Bentley to resign from the board. Baker replaces former Vice Chairman, Marvin Wiggins, who was fired by the Governor.

“The thing that concerns me that will probably keep me up at night is certainly having to do with our financial situation and that’s going to take a good bit of creativity to get it back in place, but Dr. Boyd and I will get back together this afternoon and we’re looking forward to getting where we need to be,” Said Thornton.

Financial reports, discussed in the trust meeting, show the university is currently $230 million in debt. Last year more than $1 million was spent on legal fees.

“I think our finance director is moving us in the right direction with where we need to be and what we need to do and then we can continue to work in that direction to make sure things are taken care of,” Said Baker.

Thornton says another of his concerns is gaining the student body’s trust again.

“Once we can get that solid and consistent governance and a caliber… and kind of got governance I think this community can trust… I believe and I think they’re going to see a very, very different ASU,” Said Thornton.

Aside from discussing finances and the new positions on the board, the SACS warning letter was also discussed. ASU President Gwendolyn Boyd says they’re creating a plan of action to send to the SACS committee in the coming days.

Some of the recommendations listed in their draft to the SACS committee:

• training on the SACS standards.
• Report all conflicts of interest to SACS immediately.
• Hire a cost center manager to help control and monitor the finances of the University.